Discussion group Social Fiction (2023 - ongoing)
The "Social Fiction" discussion group was initiated in 2023 by artists Taj Irzhavsky and Anne Schülke and has since continued to evolve through collaboration with numerous participants. The group’s central focus is discussing contemporary social issues through the lens of the concept of "Social Fiction."
We use "circling" for this purpose—a participatory format designed to give everyone the opportunity to contribute, should they wish to do so. The group is limited to approximately 15 participants. Each session lasts 90 minutes and is facilitated by a host who ensures an appreciative atmosphere.
From March to November 2023, discussions took place on social fiction, ownership, class, gender, identity, future scenarios, accessibility and belonging at AURA, The Pool, Sammlung Philara and Hotel Ufer in Düsseldorf. This phase was made possible with the support of the Cultural Office of the City of Düsseldorf and the Kunst- und Kulturstiftung der Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf.
In 2024, former guests hosted group events at Atelier Horndasch, Auqazoo, Linkes Zentrum, on Jitsi Meet, at Atelier Berg Gather, in Lantz’scher Park and at Filmwerkstatt Düsseldorf. The discussions addressed redistribution, the end of modernity, the Neo-Luddites, the simulated self, discriminatory language and new beginnings.
After a short break, the process continued in autumn 2025. Since then, we have held discussions on resistance and art; language and polarisation; democracy and difference; conflict and consensus; exclusionary design and communal action; the tension between freedom and sustainability; the responsibility of all citizens in a democracy; and the museum as a democratic institution. We have met at Raum D/Worringer Platz, Atelier Berg-Gather, Zentralbibliothek KAP1, the Le Flair housing estate, the rehearsal room of Freie Szene Düsseldorf, and Kunstsammlung NRW K21.
If you would like to receive invitations to future meetings, please write to discussiongroup@web.de.
Documentation on Instagram: discussion__group