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Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators 2020
MOVING FROM ME TO WE ONLINE As the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on international travel and social distancing made it impossible to convene in-person, all the events of the Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators planned in 2020 moved online, starting with short half-day online programs for the US Regional Events in April and May. Recognizing the value and inspiration the YCIs took from still being able to connect regardless of location/platform during those two short events, an ambitious overhaul of the annual week-long residential program typically held at Schloss Leopoldskron in October was undertaken. Moving the program online presented challenges – but it also offered a great many opportunities.
The first challenge to be addressed was the timing. After several months of online programs and virtual convenings, it was clear that a five-day full-time program would induce significant “Zoom fatigue”. Instead, the program was spread out from October 12 to 23 with plenary sessions held for just two and a half hours every other day. A plethora of smaller group sessions were programmed across multiple time zones, enabling YCIs to participate around their other commitments. Weekends were left free of formal programming. The main programmatic challenge was how to ensure “deeply human” and creative connections could be fostered in the online space. The goal of the program was to create connections between participants, to explore the issues and struggles that participants are facing in their work, and to support them to develop collaborative solutions. A robust program that centered interaction, inclusion and the informal and impromptu creative spirit of the YCI Forum was thus developed, adapting many elements of the residential program and making use of a broad array of online tools far beyond just Zoom’s standard video conferencing facilities. The importance of connecting with the body during the online program was also kept foremost in the minds of those participating. Another challenge was technological. While many of the YCIs had already become greatly accustomed to working remotely and convening online, not all had reliable internet. Financial support was thus offered to increase their internet capacity or purchase equipment that they needed to be able to participate in the online program. Nine participants, all of whom are in the Global South, availed of this support. A pre-program webinar helped to further on-board participants, explain the various platforms to be used over the course of the 10 days, set expectations for the program, and offer an opportunity for any remaining questions that participants had to be addressed.
