Art is a very special dimension in our life and society, that has to do with quality and has strained relations (to say the least) with the dominating materialistic and utilitarian atmosphere of our society. For that reason it requires special attention and care. In my opinion art should be integrated in all sectors and processes of our society. Art should contribute to innovation, debate and reflective thinking, silence, listening and questioning, in short, to real quality of life. That requires a broad and multiform view on art and the artist.
We expect from the artist to be clear what role to play, and what position to take in society. No narrow views here please: the artist may engage her/himself with the market/private sector, the civil society, a government, opposition groups, whatever…. or not engage at all. Individuals and organisations in all these societal sections should make choices on how they relate to art. We should therefore seek reform of art policy, and put an end to the present elitist definitions and control (deciding on the rules of the game). Or is this just a dream?