Open for Art 2026: Appropriation, Misappropriation of Art and Ideas

This talk is planned to raise just as many questions as it answers. It is designed to encourage discourse. In these post-modern times it is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what it is we’re actually looking at.

Using case studies from my own career as well as well-known international artists, designers and photographers we’ll examine appropriation, re-appropriation and misappropriation and what our role as a viewer is in understanding what it is we’re looking at.

When does inspiration become plagiarism and does it matter?

Is it OK to appropriate other people images?

What makes an idea original?

What does the viewer bring to the experience?

This talks is for adults.

Please be aware that access to Milk bar is by stairs only.

All the events at the Open for Art Festival are free to attend, there is an option to add a donation to help support the festival if you would like to and feel able to.

If you can no longer attend please let us know as places are limted and we can offer your space to someone else.

About the artist

Smithsonian Rösterino (b. 1976, Guernsey) is an artist, curator, activist and music producer working in a variety of disciplines including mixed media collage, painting, assemblage, digital media, sound installation and music.

Rösterino studied Communication Design at the University of Portsmouth and is a former art lecturer.

Rosterino is based and works in South Wales. His work has been exhibited internationally.

OPEN FOR ART

19 JUNE - 28 JUNE 2026

REFLECT This year marks 10 years of Open for Art — a decade of artists, makers, communities, ideas and shared experiences in Reading’s largest town centre creative festival. As we celebrate this milestone, our theme invites everyone to pause and consider how creativity emerges from people coming together — experimenting, making, and reflecting. Our theme for 2026 is REFLECT.

For 10 days, we’re inviting Reading to slow down and seek out pop-up art in shops and businesses, encounter artists as they work, take part in creative sessions, and join conversations about how reflection shapes artistic practice.

Come and REFLECT with us this summer.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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