who owns the economy?
Everyone is part of the economy. Whether we are grocery shopping or filling out tax returns, we all deal with the rules that apply in our shared household. But does the economy belong to us? Who determines its rules? And does it work for the benefit of everyone or just a few? Often, it seems like we perceive the rules of the economy as natural laws—immutable forces to which we are subjected. But isn't the economy actually owned by all of us?
Olga Mink, Godelieve Spaas, and Peter Zuiderwijk explored the question: Who owns the economy? Conversations with scientists, artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and students revealed the most common answer: it belongs to everyone. Yet, there are differences in interpretation. Who does the economy belong to the most? Who should the economy take care of? And who should take care of the economy? Who determines the rules for dealing with scarcity? And who decides what we do with the proceeds of the economy? The installation at Blikopener reflects this quest.
Who owns Groningen?
For centuries, the economy of Groningen has heavily relied on external factors, from agriculture to the natural gas industry. Local residents often had little say in shaping their economic destiny. Now that the era of gas is in the past, a crucial question arises: how can Groningen build a more self-determined economic future?
At Blikopener Festival, Olga Mink and Peter Zuiderwijk explore which economic narratives could be viable within the context of Groningen. Which stories, practices, and ideas lead to new possibilities for action? In conversations with the audience and artists, we will explore, practice, and experiment together.
Art has the power to effect change. It brings people together and transmits cultural ideas. Art helps people make sense of their surroundings. Join us at Blikopener to participate in this interaction and explore together how we can shape the economy of tomorrow.
About this work
The installation "Who owns the economy?" is a reflection by:
Olga Mink: Artistic director of Stichting Future of Work and head of iArts, the Academy Interdisciplinary Arts at ZUYD University of Applied Sciences.
Godelieve Spaas: Professor of Economics as a Common at Avans University of Applied Sciences.
Peter Zuiderwijk: Design bureau Collective Works and Transnational build & design network Constructlab.
The work was previously exhibited at the "Who owns the economy" festival in October 2023 in Den Bosch, organised by Future of Works. Following Blikopener Festival, it will continue in July 2024 at Jatiwanga Art Factory in Indonesia.
