Flusser Summer School 2023

2nd Vilém Flusser Summer School in Robion, May 8-12, 2023

Connected to the 103rd birthday of the internationally renowned media philosopher Vilém Flusser on May 12, 2023 the summer school is dedicated to Flusser`s contribution to media philosophy and media cultural history without orthodoxy in interpreting him. His reflections on the future of digital culture were prophetic and far ahead of his time. We will be examining the relevance of Flusser’s thought for our understanding of digital culture. Moreover we will raise questions such as: how can his positions be critically honored today? Which premises shaped his thought? Which forms and methods of critique can be developed in (thinking) media? The summer school will take place in Robion (South of France) where Flusser last lived and wrote his most important works. The sessions will be taught in his former residence, in the spaces of the municipality and in an amphitheater where lectures, discussions, film viewings and presentations will be held in his honor.

educational goals

The participants will learn the essential features of Vilém Flusser’s work in philosophy and media studies. They will become familiarized with the procedures and current problems of German media theory and media philosophy, particularly with regard to digital culture.
The participants will conclude the summer school by presenting their own projects on the topic of the summer school combining theory and artistic practice.

curriculum

The curriculum of the summer school follows the cardinal media treated by Flusser: the traditional image (the drawing), writing, and photography, which also point the way to the computerized technical image. As one of the pioneers of a philosophical approach to digital culture Flusser raises the question to what extent artists and philosophers can take part in it and reflect it critically and appropriately in their projects. This outlines five topics for the summer school that are to be discussed in theoretical reading seminars as well as in practical artistic exercises: drawing, writing, photography, digital culture and artistic projects.
Since Flusser’s reflections on and with media occurred against the theoretical background of (German) philosophy, this will also be integrated into the course through readings and explications of its concepts. A grounded overview of the state of international Flusser research is also part of the curriculum.

intended audience

The summer school is addressed to Masters and advanced Diplom students as well pre-docs from art schools and universities that teach media and cultural studies, media art, philosophy of media and technology, aesthetics, comparative literature or applied cultural studies, image theory, film and design.

application

A cover letter explaining your motivations (1 page) in German or English is required along with a short CV (maximum 1 page) covering what you are studying and where and your current degree stage (BA, MA, pre-doc). Please send both together in one pdf file by February 28 2023 to the following addresses:
Richtmeyer[at]fh-potsdam.de, subject: Flusser Summer School 23
CC to: baruch[at]flusser.club

application deadline: February 28, 2023

selection

Applicants will be selected based on the applications. For acceptance the level of formal qualification and a convincing motivational letter are necessary. Familiarity with the work of Vilém Flusser as well as German language will be seen as an advantage. A balanced relation between theoretical interests and practical competences will also be seen positively. Participants should be able to reflect on media with the methods of the humanities and also have an interest in reflecting practically about media with media.

acceptance / rejection

The applications will be reviewed by the three organizers together. Only 18 people maximum can be accepted. At least half of the spots are available for international applicants. The results of the selection will be sent out per email on March 15. A first online meeting with further information will take place at the end of march.

organizers

Dr. Katerina Krtilova (Zurich), Dr. Baruch Gottlieb (Berlin), Prof. Dr. Ulrich Richtmeyer (Potsdam) have been teaching and researching in media studies for many years at various art schools and universities. They position themselves in the spectrum proposed for the summer school between humanistic theory and artistic practice.

funding

DAAD / Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service

organizational details

Teaching including lectures, film presentations, exhibition, theoretical and practical work.
Number of participants: 15-18 people, 3 teachers and 4 guests.
Arrival on Sunday, May 7, departure on Saturday, May 13 2023.
Beginning of teaching on Monday, May 8, end of teaching on Friday, May 12.

cost

The teaching events and framework program are free of charge for the selected participants.
Catering is offered for the time of the summer school free of charge.
Travel and boarding costs have to be covered by the participants themselves. We are able to help you in organizing boarding.

publication

Some results of the 1st Vilém Flusser Summer School in Robion 2022 can be studied in this book: Flussera Robionica (ed.): Towards Technosophy, Potsdam (January) 2023 (print and digital).