Art and culture play a significant role in the development of our understanding of ourselves, of each other and our possibilities as a society. Through artistic expressions we can imagine alternative realities, both the possible and the impossible, and we can illuminate processes and results that are subtle, hidden, or obscure both in everyday life and in media. Cultural experiences can shape identity and provide a sense of belonging – and they can also be exclusionary and inaccessible.
By creating spaces where underground subcultures and new, radical thoughts and individuals can gather and challenge each other, art can transform the established order and develop new patterns and networks. New understanding and new alliances can arise. That is why art is so dangerous... and so essential.
The Art of Building a Nation
An Anthology
Stray Dog is developing an anthology of documentary films under the working title “The Art of Building a Nation”. All the films in this anthology will be based on works of art that both revolve around and influence public spaces and conversations. They will have a recognizable construct, but will have different directors and subjects for each “episode”. Each film will take a closer look at a specific public artwork and the process surrounding their creation and reception, and their function in their environment. The films will provide nuanced insight into the value of creative processes in themselves, and in building community, reflecting society and strengthening democracy.
The individual films should be able to stand on their own as independent works, and also be able to be launched together as a series. The goal of launching a series with a common theme is to build new networks and cultivate dedicated and loyal audiences over time and in both urban and rural areas. We want to touch both established art enthusiasts and those who currently believe that art is purely decorative. “The Art of Building a Nation” will highlight the potential of art to preserve, cement, challenge and renew culture and society.
PhD Research
Potential films in the anthology will be developed through a series of workshops, as part of KriStine Skaret’s PhD project at the University of Innlandet, “Creative treatment of a reality that has not yet taken place.” Part of this research project revolves around finding dramaturgical models and methods for films that cannot be structured as classic narratives driven by a protagonist. Inspired by the work of Stray Dog’s own production Villagers and Vagabonds (directed by Merethe Offerdal Tveit), the workshops will explore metafictional theories, rhetoric and dialogue models. The aim of the project is to develop dramaturgical approaches that can expand conversations between different perspectives.
Participation
Are you a filmmaker currently developing a film that may be relevant for Stine's research? Please get in touch: stine@straydogs.no