5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

The focus is on: What questions, answers, communication models and forms of design can art offer in contrast to and in debate with the current hegemonial conceptions of the climate crisis? In what ways can artists explore new paths beyond dominant forms of addressing audiences? These questions are linked to concepts of “counter-democracy” and "anti-authoritarianism" (e.g. Corinne Pelluchon, Ann Cvetkovich, Pierre Rosanvallon). The role of emotions as a positive stimulus for participatory initiatives will be investigated. Linked to this is the question of how solidarity can be constituted in today’s society through cultural initiatives and artistic practices.

Contributions can address the following issues:

- What role do artistic positions play in relation to climate justice?

- How can art and culture transform subjects and societies and develop new models of participation to challenge dominant social practices and ideological patterns and to constitute solidarity?

- How can art refer critically to the contemporary society of the spectacle and to consumerism?

- How can art and culture on climate change issues enter institutions such as museums, schools, universities more permanently?

- What role does transience and permanence play in the connection with such initiatives?