Conflictorium: Holding Space for Dissent

Conflict is found in every corner of our world and within, yet lingers silently as many refuse to acknowledge it. 'Conflictorium' aims to instead shed light on dissent, inviting viewers from all works of life to consider how they wrestle with the ideas and experiences that challenge them. Founded in 2013, the participatory museum has already been housed twice in India but has now made its way to Australia for Sydney Festival 2026. Artistic Director YSK Prerana and Project Associate Gargi Verma unpack the sensory installation, spice dabbas and the power of reflection with Suhayla Sharif. Listen now, only on SBS Spice.

YSK Prerana and Gargi Verma from the Conflictorium Team sit down with SBS Spice as the Indian-based sensory museum makes its way to Sydney. Tap the audio player to listen now.

Museums are like parliaments. They're built by people, and they have to be for people. In that sense, we don't want the distance between the curator and the programmer and the audience.

YSK Prerana, Artistic Director of 'Conflictorium'

I think there is no progress possible without conflict. Conflict is like the friction force that is needed for movement to happen, and how we deal with conflict shows the social health of any community.

Gargi Verma, Project Associate of 'Conflictorium'

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