We Should Be in Peace with Diversity: Culture in Times of War and Crisis
June 10
On June 4, ASA co-founder and Programs Manager Shoghakat Mlke-Galstyan participated in the webinar Culture in Times of War and Crisis, organized by Culture for Democracy and Liberty Institute within the framework of the Democratic Agenda project.
The discussion explored the impact of war and crisis on the cultural sector, addressing issues such as the destruction of cultural heritage, declining demand for cultural activities, brain drain, and the challenges artists face in sustaining their practice during times of uncertainty.
Moderated by Ana Riaboshenko, the panel featured Katerina Radochenko, founder of the Odessa Photo Days Festival and curator of the Ukrainian House of Photography; Shoghakat Mlke-Galstyan; and Otar Berzdenishvili, founder and head of Trade Union Musicians in Georgia.
Drawing from both personal and professional experience, the speakers reflected on the role of art and culture in times of conflict.
Katerina Radochenko spoke about how war has transformed the responsibilities of cultural workers, introducing new concerns such as ensuring the safety of audiences. She reflected on the psychological and physical toll of living under constant threat and described photography as a way of creating distance from the reality of war. As she noted, “Self-reflection as self-protection.”
Shoghakat Mlke-Galstyan addressed the uncertainty that conflict brings and highlighted the role of artists in pursuing clarity through questions rather than definitive answers. She described art as a space for memory, healing, and political resistance, emphasizing the importance of individual voices and lived experiences over generalized narratives.
Otar Berzdenishvili reflected on the experience of protests in Georgia, political repression, and his journey as an artist in exile. He stressed the importance of maintaining hope in difficult circumstances and argued that culture plays a vital role in preserving a nation’s identity.
You can watch the full webinar here.