How can minimalism change our lives? What opportunities does it bring? Can our choices, attitudes and lifestyles in line with the spirit of minimalism change the world? Finally, can seemingly unrelated aspects of our lives interact with each other precisely in the current of minimalism? We will be looking for answers to these and many other questions during the Polish-German conference "The Art of Living – Less is Better".
Less is better?
The 21st century brought us almost unlimited access to goods – both those that help to meet our daily needs, as well as those related to self-development, security and a sense of beauty. To buy another home item, a trip abroad, or to do grocery shopping, all you need is to go to the nearest shopping centre or launch a web browser on your mobile device. The ease with which we can acquire something translates into an increasing need to possess. In turn, the excess paradoxically causes insufficiency, closing us in the vicious cycle of consumerism.
It is opposed by minimalism – a trend known for a long time in philosophy and developing in art, music, design and literature since the 1960s. Today, also in everyday life, social relations and environmental issues. How can minimalism change our lives? What opportunities does it bring? Can our choices, attitudes and lifestyles in line with the spirit of minimalism change the world? Finally, can seemingly unrelated aspects of our lives interact with each other precisely in the current of minimalism?
Polish-German exchange of experiences
During the Polish-German conference "The Art of Life – Less is Better" organized by the Philharmonic in Szczecin, we will be looking for answers to these and many other questions related to broadly understood minimalism. The conference will be part of the international MUSIC.DESIGN.FORM Festival, whose this year's theme will be "minimal". Events, including the conference, will show minimalism from the musical, visual, cultural, social, and environmental sides.
In substantive cooperation with the University of Sustainable Development in Eberswalde and thanks to the invited experts from Poland and Germany, we will try to inspire discussion and reflection on the opportunities offered by a minimalist approach to life. From the zero waste movement, through vegan cuisine, running a sustainable business, tourism to the impact of our seemingly small and insignificant decisions on the environment and future generations. Speakers include scientists and experts in minimalism (also in music and art), sustainable entrepreneurs, or influencers promoting minimalism in everyday life.
Register and take part in the conference –
REGISTRATION FORM.
To ensure the comfort and safety of all participants, the conference will be held in a hybrid system. We will meet the audience in the Chamber Hall of the Philharmonic in Szczecin and online – on the ZOOM videoconference platform and the Philharmonic Facebook Page.
Host:
Karol Paciorek
Speakers:
Zosia Zochniak
Mir Marcinow
Malka Kafka
Claudia Brözel
Daria Prochenka
Joanna Olszewska and Karolina Kurpiel-Zawadzka
Govinda Thaler
Weronika Grozdew-Kołacińska
Oskar Zięta
DETAILED CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMING SOON
Organizer: Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic in Szczecin
Partner: Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development
The conference is an accompanying event of the MUSIC.DESIGN.FORM Festival.
