Majken Overgaard Majken Overgaard

Friction

Friction is a talk program for the culture festival Kulturmødet curated and moderated by Nicklas Larsen and Majken Overgaard in August 2023.

Why Is Friction Important?

Friction is crucial in many aspects of our daily lives, acting as a catalyst for change and opening up insights into our shared potential futures. The Friction Program is curated, communicated, and moderated by Majken Overgaard & Nicklas Larsen.

Friction arises in moments of disharmony, when consensus is absent, and attention is drawn to challenges, barriers, breakthroughs, or conflicts—particularly when we courageously address the elephants in the room.

The next question is: How can we make it work? How can we acknowledge the elephants in the room and identify the challenges obstructing progress? The goal of the cross-disciplinary program, rooted in healthy friction, at KM24 is to create a safe space on stage where friction and learning become possible and constructive. This approach enables us to challenge and dream about possible futures together.

We seek friction within a respectful, safe environment. Our aim is not to curate opposing extremes but to foster diversity in voices and perspectives. As guiding curatorial principles, we will focus on: the current state, challenges, barriers, potential solutions, and informed hope for the future.

The following panel debates were held:

Cultural Realness: Culture Through a Queer Lens
Queer culture expands the understanding of gender and sexuality through art, exhibitions, drag culture, music, technology, and public spaces. This panel explores how queerness manifests in Denmark and influences Danish perceptions of gender, sexuality, and diversity.

Panelists:

  • Ada Ada Ada, Artist
  • Didi Cancerella, Drag Artist
  • Helene, Director Nikolaj Kunsthal

Who Owns Culture?
In Denmark, we often speak of our democratic, accessible cultural institutions that prioritize community. But are these cultural spaces truly inclusive? This debate examines who has access to culture and who gets to define what culture is.

Panelists:

  • Lene Vive Christiansen, Program Director, VEGA
  • Emilie Topp Meyer, Creative Producer, Fix+Foxy
  • Lasse Andersson, Director, Kunsten
  • Laila Lund Altinbas, Curator and Cultural Project Manager

Identities and Culture
What does it mean to be a cultural actor in a new political reality where cancel culture, diversity, and inclusion are widely discussed? This conversation explores whether it’s possible to create a cultural life that feels relevant and safe for everyone.

Panelists:

  • Merete Pryds Helle, Author and Chairperson, The Danish Arts Foundation
  • Pernille Taagaard Dinesen, Director KØN
  • Christian Have, Have Kommunikation
  • Ellen Marie Hedegaard, Youth Labs for Art, The National Gallery of Denmark

Artificial Intelligence: Fact or Fiction?
With AI and deepfakes blurring the line between fact and fiction, can we trust what we see? This panel delves into our perception of reality in the age of AI and the role culture can play in navigating this new landscape.

Panelists:

  • Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm, Artist
  • Mads Damsbo, Castle Manager, Christiansborg
  • Maia Kahlke Lorentzen, Cybernauterne
  • Magnus Restofte, Director, Enigma

Censorship and Self-Censorship: Who Gets to Speak, and What Can We Talk About?
How is freedom of expression faring in the cultural sector? This discussion focuses on artistic freedom, political restrictions, and the voices and topics deemed acceptable—or taboo—in the public discourse.

Panelists:

  • Niklas Engstrøm, CPH Dox
  • Naima Yasin, Podcast host A Seat at the Table
  • Jens Galschiøt, Artist