See also: www.atworknetwork.org
| THE @ WORK NETWORK |
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The Network - phase 1: Work The @work network was founded in 2005 by European performing arts professionals who wanted to study the concept of work, work together and discover ways of using performing arts as an active tool of change. Since the beginning the network has been connecting with reference groups and individuals inside and outside of the art such as trade unions, museums, research workers, politicians. Despite the differences and disputes, the constant struggle with multiple timetables and finances, it proves easy to step into this process because something pulls the network together: - a desire for change and the need to share it. The result of this work connecting artists, trade unions, experts, workers, institutions and students across Europe was presented at The Story of Work platform in The Network - phase 2: Civilisation In October 2007 the @workNetwork met in The first exploration of this topic took place in THE NETWORK - A Document They say art is a mirror of society. We believe that the end of our current world is predominately dictated by the worship of three ideals: Consumption, Growth and Competition. All other values have been devoured by theses three... or should we say; our values have been sold off to the most profitable objective. And this has happened in the dawn of the global era of capitalism, ignoring evidence that the ecosystem - and every system - is being exploited beyond all viable limits. So, what are we working ourselves senseless for? We grow up under the illusion that we work for a living or for some personal gratification - but in fact the primary objective of all work today is to serve: Global Economic Growth. This objective is being held alive and sucks strength from the constant expansion of consumerism and our need to work always a bit harder, a bit longer and a bit faster, always. For what? Are we really able to question consumerism, growth or competition as long as they so deeply imbedded in the sphere of work? It becomes almost impossible because: Work is holy. Work is the new god. Work is indisputable. If we question these areas we need to question the foundation of our lives. The foundation of how we have chosen to live together, in what we call society. If we question these things, we need to think. Think for ourselves. So, it may be easier just to follow the words of the Prime Minister of Finland: "All work is good, any work" - even when it's underpaid or not paid at all. In short: Take a break. Think about it. We need a change. We work for something, a new world with new values: Conservation. Reduction. Non-competitiveness. Participation. How can we implement this change? Time is the most valuable commodity in contemporary life. We want our time back! Time for a life worth living; a life with perspective beyond personal gain, a life with wider horizons for human existence. In art we emphasise human growth in the place of economical growth. In art we apply competition as playful entertainment. In art we consume time for a purely non-profitable purpose. We propose Art as a model for a new society. Janne Saarakkalaa and Nina Larissa Bassett for the |