The Art of Cooperation: History and Future
Can you imagine a world in which enterprises are not created to multiply the profits of owners at the expense of employees? A world in which enterprises are voluntary associations of people with common needs and common economic, social, or cultural aspirations? A world in which people start cooperatives instead of companies?
The seminar on the history and future of cooperation will allow participants to understand the idea of associations, as well as provide practical tools for launching cooperative enterprises. The social, economic, and climatic crises that humanity is currently facing require new ways of self-organization, cooperation, distribution of goods and resources, as well as mutual support and care. This also applies to people of culture and people working in the creative sector. Cooperatives are an alternative to the currently dominant system of work and consumption.
During the seminar, Dr. Aleksandra Bilewicz will talk about the history of Polish cooperatives; Dr. Anna Wiszniewska will discuss the phenomenon of post-war artistic cooperatives, and Alicja Wójcik will present the Kultura Cooperative, which is currently in the process of registration. The aim of the association will be to improve working conditions in the precarious art and culture industries, but also to create a platform for community activities.
