This is the first lecture in the series "Decoloniality and Its Understanding," organized by ARTBAT Fest with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's representation in Central Asia.

Colonization is a systemic violence of metropoles over provinces, which, among other things, imposes the features of "civilization" on pre-modern societies. However, decolonization, as the process of overcoming this violence, shouldn't sever all manifestations of modernization. Zarina Mukanova will explain her understanding of the decolonial discourse and why it's not the same as the restoration of traditional institutions, like patriarchy.

This is the second lecture in the series "Decoloniality and Its Understanding," organized by ARTBAT Fest with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's representation in Central Asia.

Forcible assimilation, national oppression, linguistic discrimination, and the darker aspects of modernization – all these themes have become essential components of the decolonial discussion in Kazakhstan. But what is left out? According to Galym Zhussipbek, the unanswered question is "where to go?" and his answer lies in a path based on empathy, human rights, shared civic culture, and social justice.

This is the third event in the series "Decoloniality and Its Understanding," organized by ARTBAT Fest with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's representation in Central Asia.

The events of "Qandy Qantar" and the war that subsequently started in Ukraine have brought discussions about Kazakhstan's colonial situation to the forefront. But what does this mean? Can it be said that the colonial condition only concerns issues of the past? Or that it only touches upon the imperial ambitions of Russia or China? And a no less important question: what path do we see out of this situation? Is it about isolating ourselves from the world and striving for maximum societal homogenization?

We will discuss these and other questions with political scientist Bavna Dave, journalist and activist Bella Orynbetova, anthropologist Zarina Mukanova, and researcher Galym Zhussipbek. The discussion will be moderated by the project's program director at Egin, Dmitry Mazorenko.

On August 30, an online lecture by sociologist Diana Kudaibergen, titled "Decoloniality through the Lens of Kazakhstan," will take place.

This is the concluding event in the series "Decoloniality and Its Understanding," organized by ARTBAT Fest with the support of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's representation in Central Asia.