CONTESTED DESIRES uses contemporary visual arts as a tool to explore our shared colonial histories and the impact this has had on our understanding of European Culture. 

CONTESTED DESIRES is a platform for discussion and learning, production and exhibition, revealing the complex and deep-rooted reverberations of colonisation, occupation and annexation. CONTESTED DESIRES uncovers the untold markers of identity and belonging, and the contesting desires that define and redefine our heritage. 

At a time of increasing right wing populism, CONTESTED DESIRES aims to challenge the de-stabilising and divisive impact of the current political landscape of Europe (and beyond) where the response to the complexities, diversity and expansion of our European communities, continues to be met with the power play of fear-mongering, discrimination and exclusion; where our borders become our protectors and our heritage our place of sanctuary. 

Why do our respective histories become charged with idealism and fiction in this context? What are we attempting to protect for ourselves and keep from others? 

As a legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage CONTESTED DESIRES uses the positive forces of co- operation and co-production to address the ‘authenticity’ and values of the heritage we share. CONTESTED DESIRES is a platform for artists and cultural operators who engage with communities and neighbourhoods using residency and exchange programmes. CONTESTED DESIRES