CULTURA|NATURA in the Anthropocene

In western world tradition, the concept of Culture is a human originality. A quest for freedom, constructed in a continuous effort of subtraction from the deterministic forces of Nature.

Bearing this intention, the impact of human intervention in the transformation of the world in behalf of its own wellbeing, has been progressively growing. Until now, the natural world has always been able of absorbing the careless and frequently abusive impact of human actions. However, especially since the Industrial Revolution, this type of development of human culture has been evidencing to only be possible at the expense of a growing saturation and depletion, with repercussions in all areas of life. May the arts and the sciences construe associations for contributing to the emergence of more viable models of sustainability for human culture?

Cultura|Natura is an encounter designed for experimentation, exposure and dialogue, in which, during two days, possible interfaces between arts and sciences will be explored under the theme of the emergence of viable alternatives for constructing sustainable cultures.

In the last few years, the artistic practices of Teatro do Frio have been particularly marked by diversity and interdisciplinarity.

With a strong focus on the questions of the body, as a place of nature from which art and culture can emerge, aesthetical objects have been intentionally created to meet the ecology of the logics and homeostatic functioning processes of the affect-emotional body. In this sense, the awareness of the body regarding the "landscapes" (natural, cultural or political) in which it is inserted becomes a frequent inspiration for experiences and artistic creations. In the continuous mutations of these boundaries, performative aesthetical forms are drawn from a dialogue that constantly searches for balance between human beings and the world.

At the same time, we frequently take inspiration in artistic creation processes or their resulting aesthetical objects, as a sustainable research model to produce scientific knowledge. Whether in the form of artistic dramaturgies built from scientific, philosophical, environmental, socio-economical stimuli (amongst others), or in the form of methodological procedures that address the diversity of forms and artistic practices, this encounter is conceived as an experimental site, in which, during two days, we will dedicate ourselves to the exploration and enhancement of dialogues between arts and sciences.

The aims of the Conference are to:

  • Reflect about the potential and limitations of adopting creative and dynamic models of artistic creation, in the pursuit of sustainable cultures.
  • Reflect about the potential and limitations of adopting models of scientific consensus, in the construction of sustainable cultures.
  • Open an experimental space where artists, scientists and other knowledge producers could share, connect and expand experiences, projects and dialogues in different fields of arts and sciences.
  • Promote communities of learning, practice and mutual support between researchers.
  • Promote experiences of interdisciplinary hybridisation.