The Battle of Ideas is a weekend of lively debate and discussion on today’s most pressing political, cultural and artistic issues that takes place at the Barbican in London. Alongside the festival in London, we run a large UK and international programme of satellite events, covering cities and towns from Liverpool to Athens, Leeds to Stockholm, Birmingham to Lisbon, as well as Berlin, Warsaw, Edinburgh and many more.

The Battle of Ideas tackles tough contemporary questions through wide-ranging, thought-provoking and wonderfully argumentative debate. An antidote to today’s climate of offence taking, the festival slogan is: FREE SPEECH ALLOWED.

Coming at a crucial time for politics and society, the Battle of Ideas is the forum to get to grips with the current political maelstrom. When the world seems more divided than ever, the festival will be a living example of the importance of frank, serious but respectful public debate.

ABOUT THE PORTO SATELLITE

Can we deplore the artist, but love the art?

“This year, the HBO Portugal documentary Leaving Neverland reignited debate over how society should treat cultural fi gures that off end against moral standards. While some call for boycotts, others are hesitant about blurring the line between art and the artist. Is it wrong to enjoy the artistic works of moral transgressors?”

This debate is in English. Entrance is €3 payable on the door.



SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

•
Tiago Barbedo Assis, assistant professor, i2ADS, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto



•
Patrícia do Vale, independent curator and arts educator, Serralves Contemporary Art Museum



•
Manick Govinda, independent arts consultant; writer; former programme director, SPACE; former member, Mayor of London’s Cultural Strategy



•
Paula Guerra, associate professor, University of Porto; co-ordinator, Artistic Creation, Practices and Cultural Policies; founder and co-ordinator, Rede Todas As Artes; co-author, Punk, Fanzines, and DIY Cultures in a Global World



O debate decorrerá em Inglês, sem tradução. Programa sujeito a alteração, sem aviso prévio.

The debate will be conducted in English, without translation. Program subject to change without notice.