This yearbook brings together twenty creatives and community organisers from all walks of life: musicians, visual artists, dancers, art collectives, and everything in between. From personal to political, their contributions reflect diverse forms of community-building through care. How do they inspire each other? Who do they care for? How do they care? 💘
- Name: Radio Vacarme
- (The first) Queer and feminist web radio
- Pronouns: she/they
- Location: Brussels
- Instagram: @radio_vacarme
What do you care most about, and how is it relevant to your art/practice?
We care deeply about creating a safe and inclusive community for queer and feminist individuals and groups. Our art/practice focuses on raising awareness, promoting education, and providing a platform for marginalised voices.
Three words that come to mind when you hear the term ‘care’?
Empathy, respect, sorority.
What inspires you to care more for others, or to use your art/practice as a platform to do so?
Our desire to create change and a better world for all inspires us to care more for other human beings. Using the tool of a web radio as a platform is an effective way to raise awareness and bring positive change.
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How do you hope to inspire others?
We hope to inspire others by creating a ripple effect - encouraging people to care more, speak up and take action to create inclusivity, equity, and justice for all.
What type of change do you want to inspire in your community/environment?
We want to inspire a change in our community/environment where everyone feels heard, supported and included, despite their gender identity, sexual orientation, or race.
How much influence do you think (y)our backgrounds have on (y)our art and practices?
Backgrounds shape our perspectives, experiences, and values, and hence, have a significant influence on Radio Vacarme.
What are some challenges that you face while doing what you are passionate about?
As queer and feminist individuals, we may face resistance, discrimination, and bigotry. This can be challenging but also motivates us to persevere and fight harder for our cause.
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How do you define ‘community’?
A community is a group of individuals united by a common purpose, a sense of belonging, and support.
What is a ‘safe space’ for you?
A safe space for us is where all community members feel valued, respected, and protected without fear of discrimination, judgment, or harm.
Is receiving care a privilege, a right?
Receiving care - physical or emotional - is a fundamental right, not a privilege, that everyone deserves, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Do you think this generation is redefining care and community building? And how?
This generation is redefining care and community-building by prioritising inclusivity, intersectionality, compassion, and active involvement in issues that impact marginalized communities.
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What small acts of care do you hope to see more of?
Small acts of care include listening, supporting, and showing empathy towards others. These acts may seem small, but they are powerful in creating a ripple effect of positivity and support.
How do you balance taking care of others and taking care of yourself? Do you make that distinction in the first place?
We believe that self-care and community care go hand in hand. There is no real differentiation we make, but we try to give and care more effectively for each other first and then for the whole community.
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Do you care about being cared about?
Being cared about is a natural human desire that we all more or less share. We believe that creating a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels cared for is essential.
What do you want to be remembered for?
We hope to be remembered for creating a significant impact in our community and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
<div class="editorial-banner"> <div class=“editorial-credits”> Photos by @marieksw & @spdnly <br/> radiovacarme.com </div></div>
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