RELATOPIA
The VAR Association launches RELATOPIA, a multidisciplinary initiative that explores the evolution of romantic relationships and the family structure in Romania over the past six decades.
The way people see cohabitation and partnership has transformed significantly in recent years, especially as a consequence of socio-political shifts and technological advancements.
RELATOPIA seeks to create a space for intergenerational dialogue, exploring these changes through an in-depth investigation that merges both scientific and artistic perspectives. The project brings together artists, cultural practitioners and a number of experts in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and law, to investigate the evolving nature of relationships and family life.
What exactly is RELATOPIA?
- A DIGITAL ARCHIVE ON COHABITATION
RELATOPIA will expand the Matched Society project, a digital archive showcasing historical and cultural resources from 1870 up to the present day.
www.matched-society.com
Initially, the platform documented the ways people searched for long-term romantic relationships, including the social mechanisms behind the process. Now, its focus shifts to the dynamics of couples and family life, highlighting both the transformations and challenges of cohabitation.
This will become Romania’s most extensive digital archive that brings together documentary materials, interviews, scientific articles, and multimedia creations.
- OPEN CALL
- Personal Experiences
People aged between 20 and 30 years, and 50 and 60 years are invited to share their experiences regarding romantic relationships – either personal ones or those of close acquaintances (parents, grandparents, friends). While maintaining anonymity, these stories will be processed and integrated into the cultural products of the project.
As recognition for their contribution, participants will receive an original, limited-edition creation made by artists involved in the creative residencies.
Those wishing to participate should fill out the form by April 20:
https://forms.gle/MYhKJj18zFGN41Mu9
- Creative Residencies
Architects, sound designers, visual artists, video artists, eco-artists, designers and writers are invited to participate in RELATOPIA’s creative residencies to explore the theme of cohabitation and develop interdisciplinary works.
The program includes residencies in pairs as well as a collective residency, offering participants access to documentary resources, mentorship from experts in supporting fields such as anthropology, sociology, law, and psychology, as well as other resources provided by the organizers.
- Participants will be rewarded financially.
Details about registration will be published on VAR’s social media pages:
- THE AIM OF THE PROJECT
This fall, RELATOPIA will culminate with an interactive multimedia exhibition, open to the public in Iași, Bucharest, and Katerini (Greece).
By facilitating access to information through digital and contemporary art, RELATOPIA will create a bridge between the past and the present, between the analog and digital realms, highlighting the evolution of human relationships. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for finding the resources that are necessary for adaptation and harmonious cohabitation.
The project aims to offer the tools and perspectives necessary to consciously define and build balanced relationships. In this process, RELATOPIA highlights both the diversity and beauty of romantic relationships, as well as the challenges that accompany them.
This project is co-financed by the grant NCFA / National Cultural Fund Administration and supported by AMIQ.
Our parteners: The Consulate General of Romania in Thessaloniki, Olympolis Art Project/Olympus Eagles – Katerini, Atelier 030202, tranzit.ro/Iași, Propagarta, Revista Cultura, Radio Romania Cultural, București FM, B-Critic, Zile și Nopți, Viva FM.
The project does not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. NFCA is not responsible for the content or for the means in which the results of the project are used. These are responsibilities that fully belong to the funds’ beneficiary.
