Barents Spektakel 2016

Rethinking Location

The artworks for the 2016 Barents Spektakel reflect and discuss the vulnerability of our sense of place; whilst simultaneously exploring if our identity is a result of where we live or if we instead make choices to migrate to places that suit us. In these times of economic uncertainty, new migration routes and increasingly cold ideological rhetoric between capitals; the perception of place requires continuous rethinking. Shifting cultural, political and economic factors all play a role in shaping how we perceive our neighbourhood, city, nation, region and most importantly, ourselves. In the North there are lessons to be learned from our past as well the mistakes and triumphs of our neighbours across all borders, there are risks and opportunities as well as both bright and destructive visions for the future.