This Newsbulletin offers you three little insights into the work of PIE – no more in this age of information oversupply. What’s their red thread?
When EC President Barroso met renowned artists and intellectuals in September, they discussed “how arts and culture can contribute to the development of the European project”. But what is this project? At the moment it clearly is to overcome crisis – with all bets on regaining economic growth. What do the arts, culture and interculture have to do with that?
Our event in Northern Ireland shows that culture is still appreciated for its potential to help reconciliation and social cohesion – and atypically for Europe, public spending on culture there has been on a high in the past decade. Elsewhere, the cultural sector has been in the fierce grip of austerity politics – one reason to re-think how public cultural institutions can remain relevant and legitimate. Turning cultural institutions into intercultural meeting places is the strategic direction which national experts discuss under the Open Method of Coordination – PIE gets a look-in to this process and adds a little bit of democracy with the voice of its members. We also play a role in the European Integration Forum. Its 8th edition was concerned with the “contribution of migrants to economic growth” – should we also ask about their role in the development of new economic concepts and of more equitable ways of life?
Feedback welcome to newsbulletin@intercultural-europe.org or on our Facebook page. If you “like” it, following the Platform’s activities will become automatic.
Sabine Frank,
Secretary General
“Navigating the journey from conflict to interculturalism: The role of the arts in Northern Ireland”
6th Intercultural Practice Exchange Belfast, 15/16th November 2012
PIE logoACNI logoPIE’s 6th Intercultural Practice Exchange, in collaboration with its member, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will serve to debate the role of artists in developing and improving relationships between and within communities. The backdrop is the transition from The Troubles to peace in Northern Ireland as well as the reception of newcomers to Northern Ireland. We will take a look at Arts Council initiatives such as the Re-imaging Communities Programme, the Intercultural Arts Strategy and the Troubles Archive. This exploration will be contextualised in government policies for equality and good relations.
A majority of delegates from Northern Ireland will be joined by a selection of European guests who can add viewpoints on the role of artists in social transformations from elsewhere in Europe. Panel debates as well as a set of excursion to practice examples feature in the programme.
More information
1st OMC expert group meeting – Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue (Phase II)
24/25th September 2012
Logo European CouncilA fresh set of national experts came together to launch phase II of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) process on “Accessible and inclusive culture cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue”. Their task is “to identify policies and good practices in creating spaces in public arts and cultural institutions to facilitate exchanges among cultures and between social groups, in particular by highlighting the intercultural dimension of the heritage and by promoting artistic and cultural education and developing intercultural competences.” The output of the group as defined by the EU Culture Council Workplan 2011-2014 is a “policies and good practice manual for public arts and cultural institutions”.
20 EU Member States have so far nominated experts. Sonja Kralj Bervar from the Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport was elected to chair the group. The European Commission pointed out that the group would be required to build on the results of the first phase and gave a preview: The main challenge for enhancing participation is for cultural institutions to be relevant to diverse interests and needs, and for cultural institutions to take ownership of initiatives intended to enhance participation.
The group discussed that it would collect practice examples with the aid of a matrix to be designed; that both good and bad practice examples would be included in order to inform the formulation of recommendations for policy making. There was broad consensus that a wide approach to diversity would have to be taken in order to encompass widely different circumstances in the Member States, and that the role of arts education would have to be considered when discussing the creation of intercultural spaces in cultural institutions.
PIE Secretary General, Sabine Frank, gave a presentation to the group with the key message that “Intercultural spaces are no add-on. The challenge is for public arts and cultural institutions to become intercultural spaces in their entirety. The wholesale transformation of institutions is at stake.” The OMC group also heard a reflection paper by Chris Torch on behalf of the European Expert Network on Culture (EENC). Chris highlighted that besides making art, cultural institutions needed to accept the ethical mission of giving people a voice – a key tool for the non-violent transformation of the European continent. Moreover, the OMC group was addressed by a representative of Commission Directorate-General for Home Affairs, who expressed hopes for synergies between the work of the OMC group and the European Integration Forum (see article below).
Read the detailed account of this OMC meeting.
The contribution of migrants to economic growth in the EU
8th European Integration Forum – Brussels, 16/17th October 2012
8th EIF forum – Photo 1 EIF 8th forum – Photo 2
EIF logoThe 8th meeting of this consultative civil society platform took place against a backdrop of EU strategizing for “a job-rich recovery” from the economic crisis since 2008. The EU belief in economic growth remains sacrosanct and the Forum’s task was to explore how migration fits this agenda. While the EU faces a deepening shortage of highly skilled workers in certain sectors, there is no end in sight for high levels of unemployment of low-skilled people. How migrants can match labour market needs, was therefore one question for debate; how obstacles to the labour market integration of migrants can be overcome the other. A special focus was on migrant entrepreneurs. 57 representatives from national civil society organizations and 29 representatives from European civil society organizations joined Commission officials, members of the European Economic and Social Committee as well as some members of the European Parliament for debate.
Platform for Intercultural Europe delegate Tarafa Baghajati pleaded for efforts to promote migrants also in professions rooted in social sciences so that they become present in the intellectual leadership of societies. In technical professions, he pointed out, a lot more needed yet to be done to destroy the ‘glass ceiling’ and get more migrants into managerial positions. Tarafa also pointed to the responsibility of third sector organizations such as trade unions, religious organizations, cultural institutions and associations, to promote the employment and progression of migrants.
NGOs in the Forum generally agreed that the recognition of professional qualifications from Third Countries remains a major stumbling block for migrants on the way into the EU labour market. They also deplored that Europe-wide work permits for migrants are still no reality, and highlighted the urgent need to create solutions to the plight of undocumented migrants in the EU. Unfortunately, the Forum is not entitled to address conclusions and demands to the Member States governments.
The report, as well as some presentations and speeches, will be available soon on:
http://ec.europa.eu/ewsi/en/policy/legal.cfm, under Forum VIII. The 9th EIF will take place in June 2013.
News from our European Members
Our membership has grown by ten organisations since our annual meeting in June. Members have the benefit of exchange amongst themselves through a PIE members’ Facebook group.
To see who PIE’s current members are or to become a member, please go to our membership page.
Banlieues d’Europe
“The Role of Culture in the Face of Rising Nationalism in Europe” – Citizens’ Resistance !
21/23th November 2012 – Turin, Italy – Registration is now open !
Visuel Banlieues d’Europe Logo Banlieues d’EuropeAt its 19th meeting, the Banlieues d’Europe network will focus on cultural projects in Europe which fight against the rise of nationalism and against xenophobia. Through an exploration of these projects and contributions of researchers, field actors, and artists, problems linked with the transmission of history and memory will be highlighted. New forms of resistance and activism as well as innovative intercultural practices will be looked at.
Download the programme in English – Download the subscription form
Deadlines: 05 November 2012: For the USE of a stand at the forum and following the debates – 10 November 2012: For ATTENDING the forum and following the debates. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English, French and Italian
Contact Banlieues d’Europe for information : contact@banlieues-europe.com – http://www.banlieues-europe.com/
Registration : turin2012@banlieues-europe.com
The European Council of Artists (ECA)
Annual Conference – “Art as a Bridge Builder, Cultural Diversity in European Communities” – 10/11th November 2012 – Vilnius, Lithuania
Logo ECAKeynote speakers and their topics: Art Historian and Art Critic Ms. Skaidra Trilupaitytė – ‘Émigré or Transnational Art?‘; ECA´s former president, Writer Mr. Ludwig Laher / ‘Austria´s Mobility Guide for Artists‘; Special envoy for international cultural-political projects Mr. Gottfried Wagner / ‘Citizen Artist’ or ‘The Art of Difference’; Executive Director of Riksteatern – Swedish National Touring Theatre, Ms. Birgitta Englin / ´Don’t Worry, Art Rules!‘
Conference programme – Registration – www.eca.dk/activities – secretariat@eca.dk
European Educational Exchanges – Youth for Understanding (EEE-YFU)
“Diversity and Intercultural Learning: A Seminar on Host Families” – 20-25th November – Helsinki, Finland
Logo EEE-YFUEvery year, European Youth for Understanding (YFU) organisations host secondary school exchange students in over 1000 volunteer host families. By “welcoming the world to their home” they are provided with a strong intercultural experience.
Therefore, EEE-YFU’s next seminar for its member organisations has the goal to support host families by improving YFU’s training programmes through adapting current intercultural learning approaches to the learning process of host parents and siblings.
www.eee-yfu.org/content/view/202
European Festivals Association (EFA)
European House for Culture invites to “Brussels Conversations” – 16/17th November
Logo House for CultureThe European Festivals Association (EFA) joins forces with the European House for Culture and partners and invites for the Brussels Conversations 2012 on a Cultural Coalition for a Citizens’ Europe, taking place in Brussels on 16-17 November 2012. The 2-day conference will discuss the future of the European project and the citizen’s role in making it a reality.
Registration open online until 1 November 2012.
European Music Council (EMC)
3rd European Forum on Music in Glasgow, Scotland – 18/21st April 2013
Logo EMC jpgThe EMC organises its 3rd European Forum on Music in cooperation with the Scottish Music Centre. The Forum will be hosted from 18 to 21 April 2013 in the UNESCO City of Music Glasgow. Pete Wishart, Scottish MP and former keyboarder of the band Runrig has been confirmed as keynote speaker. The conference will take place in the Grand Central Hotel.
More information soon available on www.emc-imc.org – Contact: info@emc-imc.org
International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF)
Concert “Voices to Share” – Flagey, Brussels, Belgium – 3 December 2012
Visuel Voice to Share“Voices to Share” concert will gather on stage to celebrate cultural diversity, sharing and solidarity, singers drawing their inspiration from the wandering of the Roma, a European minority that preserved the wealth of their traditions through the ages and adversity and whose precariousness deeply concerns the European Union.
Brought together on the stage of Flagey by the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation and introduced by Dani Klein, the amazing voice behind Vaya con Dios, singers from various origins will share with us their talent in keeping with a message dear to Yehudi Menuhin and carried forward through his Foundation: that sharing our cultures leads to a better understanding.
This concert perpetuates a long line of events organised by the Menuhin Foundation that each years gathers on stage artists from various cultures presenting a creative and heartfelt dialogue that can but seduce the audience, moved by the emotion generated by this generous and joyous encounter. Read more.
http://www.menuhin-foundation.com/ – http://www.sharingallvoices.com/ – http://www.flagey.be/
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Trans Europe Halles (TEH)
TEH brings an international dimension to a regional project – “Viva Performance Lab” in Cosenza, Italy – 8/9th December 2012
Logo TEH Logo Viva Performance LabTEH supports Viva Performance Lab, which aims to develop the cultural offer of Cosenza, by involving the local population in the organisation of an international festival at the end of the year.
TEH helps this regional project to reach international artists and stakeholders. Before the event, a workshop will be organized for 8 emerging artists who will present a performance during the festival. TEH delegate Sandy Fitzgerald will also run a training for local cultural workers. Read more.
Apply to the artistic workshop before the 5th of November:
http://www.fondazionemaxxi.it/2012/10/24/viva-performance-lab/?lang=en
News from our national Members
Border Crossings – UK
Creative career paths in Vilnius, Lithuania – 8th-12th October 2012
Borders Crossing 3 Borders Crossings 1 Borders Crossings 2
Sheelah Sloane, the General Manager of Border Crossings, has just returned from a Study Visit to Vilnius in Lithuania, focussing on young people’s transition from arts training into the world of work. Ten participants took part from Spain, Italy, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Austria and the UK. Sheelah gave a presentation to the group about getting young people from culturally diverse backgrounds into training, education and work.
The presentation included discussions of Border Crossings’ internship programmes; the company’s development of work in training institutions, with young people moving from these to work with the professional company; and educational initiatives with migrant groups, including young refugees and Roma.
Contact: Sheelah@bordercrossings.org.uk – www.bordercrossings.org.uk
Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi – Italy
Project conference “ART in EDUCATION” – Edsbyn, Sweden – 7/8th January 2013
Photo ART in ED 1 Photo ART in ED 2 Photo ART in ED 3
Logo ART in EDThe conference will be for teachers, school leaders and cultural actors and offers lectures, practical workshops, seminars, and a variety of cultural experiences. The goal is to offer a meeting place where teachers or cultural actor can find inspiration and motivation to integrate arts in education and pedagogy to overcome learning problems. The project ARTinED within which the conference takes place is a Comenius Multilateral Project funded by the EU Lifelong Learning Programme. The Swedish partner and organiser of the conference is the Viksjöforsbaletten. Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi is the project promoter.
For more information: www.lg.se/musikgavleborg/dans
Conference language: Some lectures will be held in English; the main language is Swedish.
Interkulturelt Center – Denmark
New workshops and activities in the project: “Workouts for Intercultural Navigators”
Photo Interkulturelt
Logo InterkultureltTogether with the Odin Theatre, Intercultural Centre have started the project “WIN – Workouts for Intercultural Navigators – theatre as social interference” which consists of a series of workshops in the period 2012 – 2014.
On http://odinteatret.dk/events/transformances/win-2012–2013.aspx you can read more about the project and see the plans for workshops and meetings until summer 2013.
International Centre for Intercultural Research, Learning and Dialogue (ICIRLD) – Armenia
Community Art Techniques Training course in Kobuleti, Georgia – 17-22nd November
Photo ICIRLD 1 Photo ICIRLD 2 Photo ICIRLD 3
ICIRLD ogo CAUCULTBetween 17th and 22nd November, 60 cultural actors from Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan will come together in Kobuleti, Georgia for a training course on Community Art Techniques. This will be the second course organized within the frames of Caucasus Cultural Initiatives Network CAUCULT programme. The first training was on Strategic Cultural Management organized on local level and took place in October.
ICIRLD is the national partner of CAUCULT in Armenia. CAUCULT is an international, intercultural project promoting local culture-related initiatives that support cultural diversity in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The aim of CAUCULT is to re-discover the cultural diversity in the Caucasus as a key to a creative, progressive and prosperous development of the region.
http://www.caucult.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/caucult?fref=ts – E-mail: armenia@caucult.net
Moussem.eu – Belgium
On Sunday the 11th of November 2012, the book and film documentary “Traduit de l’Arabe” will be presented in Amsterdam by Moussem.eu
Moussem Screen docu
Moussem Traduit de l’Arabe book coverLogo moussemArtists stand with both feet in the mire of the past and they recreate that swamp in the smooth surface of their imagination. A mirror in which everyone who makes an effort can recognise and question themselves. This is beautifully illustrated in the documentary ‘Traduit de l’Arabe’ showing portraits of Nacera Belaza, Sabri Saad El Hamus, the LAAF and Strange Fruit. The multilingual book ‘Traduit de l’Arabe’ in an end-reading of Razanne Carmey contains articles, essays, poems of Ahdaf Soueif, Abdelkader Benali, Gérard Mayen, Professor Gema Martin-Muños, Taha Adnan and Ramsey Nasr with an introduction of Mohamed Ikoubaân, director of Moussem, and closing remarks by Pascal Nicolas, Coordinator of International Projects.