“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
– Audre Lorde ‘A Burst Of Light’ (1988)
Many artists, makers, creators of opportunity are constantly submerged in society and aware of global developments on a variety of topics. Whether it is art against the system or a focus on unrepresented stories or connecting people to create awareness for a specific issue; art and politics are undeniably connected. But being socially and politically active in the midst of sexism, racism and violence against marginalised people is just as important as safeguarding our own emotional and mental well-being. Self-Care is important, but how do you implement properly taking care of yourself in your daily routine? And how to maintain a separation between your work and private life in view of ‘The Personal Is Political’?
How can we identify the systems which cause exhaustion, oppression and pain as the source of our problems if we only treat the symptoms? Self-Care is about autonomy and ownership. About challenging norms and expectations, to move away from certain roles imposed on us by society and the pressures inflicted upon us by capitalism, and instead defining and acknowledging your own needs. Self-Care is a way of fighting back and resisting a system of oppression and often violence. It is a way of saying you matter. A good balance between caring for self and being on the barricades is important. Exclusive focus on Self-Care can temporarily resolve personal problems but will not be sufficient to collectively change the systems causing us harm.
Under the guidance of presenter and host Charisa Chotoe; Stephanie Afrifa, Mehri Zamanbin and Eva van Manen will have a conversation about the role of Self-Care in their work and life.
With performances by Zaïre Krieger and IKRAAAN.