‘Voices of Change’

EU institutions, national institutes for culture, cities, festivals, civil society: all have the capacities and means to foster intercultural dialogue in the East, including with EU Neighbourhood countries. But is there a coherent cultural relations agenda for Eastern Partnership countries? What are the best practices and what are the expectations from the EU in the region? More culture in external relations, more Europe in the East: could this be part of the new European narrative? This debate will focus on cultural exchanges amongst Eastern Europe countries. It will explore how synergies and a balance between cultural networks, flagship initiatives such as capitals of culture and interventions from public authorities such as the EU are essential for these exchanges. 

On 25-26 May, VOICES OF CHANGE will also present a video showcase of artistic interventions in public space in Romania, Slovenia, Georgia and Armenia, produced within the Caucasus-Balkan Express and Create to Connect projects. Featured artists include  Giorgi Khasaia (GE), Vahe Budumyan (AR), Tanja Radež (SI), Vilmos Koter (RO), Ciprian Butnaru (RO), Station House Opera (UK).

Speakers:
Robert Adam, Romanian Cultural Institute (moderator)
Damian Drăghici, MEP, CULT Committee, Romania
Giorgio Ficarelli, European Commission, DEVCO
Nevenka Koprivsek, Bunker Ljubljana/ Balkan Express Network, Slovenia
Charles-Etienne Lagasse, former EUNIC President and Inspecteur Général of WBI, Belgium
István Szakáts, AltArt Foundation, Romania
Kathleen Weyts, Bozar, Project Coordinator ”Imagine Europe In Search of New Narratives”, Belgium
Rarița Zbranca, Cluj-Napoca 2021 European Capital of Culture Association, Romania