New Unions is an artistic and political campaign initiated by artist Jonas Staal in 2016, which opposes the Remain/Leave dichotomy that currently frames the future of the European Union. Rejecting both the ultra-nationalist claim on “Leave” and the austerity-elite’s claim to “Remain,” Staal proposes alternative scenarios for new future unions: from a Transnational Union to a Communalist Union, from a Transcontinental Union to a Stateless Union.
During Transeuropa in Palermo, Staal will develop the first overview in Italy of the campaign’s work so far. The floor of the Garibaldi theater will be covered with an enormous version of New Unions Floor-map (2016-ongoing): an inverted map of Europe, that visualizes the manifold progressive and emancipatory platforms active on the continent today. Surrounding the map constructivist stars merging in and out the floor. Video installations will occupy the alcoves of the theatre, while another site specific installation will occupy the higher vaults.
The installation is conceived as a meeting space and during the festival it will host the events inside Teatro Garibaldi.
