Cultural Initiatives and European Citizenship 18 th 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  € 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 