Cultural Initiatives and European Citizenship 18 th May 2010.

Cultural Initiatives and European

Citizenship18th May 2010

European Cultural Interaction at Festivals

6000 festivals in Europe with international activities

Consumer demand for the ‘exotic’ International element to:

Cork Jazz Festival Imagine Arts Festival Waterford Cork French Film Festival

European Cultural Interaction at festivals

Parameters have changed over time Cheap travel has enabled 2 way traffic

Irish artists and punters traveling to Europe Exit Festival (Croatia), Sonar (Barcelona) Irish musicians, poets, dancers and authors export

their services

The EU and culture

Historical Emphasis on culture Maastricht, Lisbon

EU Commissioner MarosSefcovic

Culture Programme 2007-2013 € 400 million budget

Why? 3 reasons

1. Social benefits of Intercultural Dialogue

Europe’s cultural diversity a major asset It must be promoted and safeguarded Culture predates economics as the connecting links of Europe “Diversity must be the principal of unity”, Denis de Rougement

We live in multicultural societies Cultural exchanges can foster acceptance, education and

understanding of different cultures Arts & culture can prevent racism, sexism, ageism etc.

Irish Context Polish cultural festival? N. Ireland example Dun Laoighre Festival of World Cultures – Education &

Entertainment

2. Culture & the economy

Cultural sector significant contributor to EU’s economy, growth and development 5 million (3.1%) employed 2.6% of EU’s GDP in 2003 (growth > rest of economy) Culture tourists spend 3 times more

Culture as a catalyst for creativity Innovation Industrial transfer potential 2009, European Year for Creativity in Culture

Irish context Culture being looked on as a major driver of the economy Gabriel Byrne, Cultural Ambassador Farmleigh Business Leaders Conference

3. The international Dimension

Cultural recognition aids International Relations China, India, South America, Africa

Exchange programmes, i.e. Erasmus, Scholarships Take advantage of language links Influence the ‘leaders of tomorrow’, today

Continued focus on EU culture will exert influence globally Soft power v Hard power

Can Arts & Culture help build EU citizenship?

YES! By recognizing and valuing our continent’s rich cultural

diversity, the European identity can become stronger Flamenco & Nordic folk dances = Our European culture

Valuing and celebrating new member’s cultures fosters inclusion and acceptance Pecs (Hungary), Istanbul (Turkey) ECOC 2010 Pro active approach with many spin off benefits

It is economically beneficial and gives Europe a stronger voice on the world stage

Suggestions for better acknowledgement of the European cultural initiatives

The benefits are tangible and EU efforts reflect this Commissioner, € 400 million, Programmes& Initiatives But there is room for improvement

Europe Wide ‘Whazon’ Website & Monthly supplement Part financed by advertisements (hotel’s, car rental etc) This would free up tight funds and resources for

creative projects

EU ‘crisis area’ assistance Funding available for cultural projects which deal with

social problems in areas that need it most

Suggestions continued

Education of cultural differences and heritage Transition year programme across the EU? Primary school programme?

EU funded Cultural Youth exchange programmes Music groups, Dancing groups, Art Classes Personal Experience

International Competition Ryder Cup format?

James Murphy, UCC [email protected]