European Cultural Policy Update

The European Commission making grand statements to conjure the idea of using culture as a central tool to unify a fragmented Europe and its relationships with the rest of the world: “Culture is at the heart of EU international relations. [The EU] aims at encouraging cultural cooperation between the EU and its partner countries and promoting a global order based on peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental values.” But how is this reflected in practice? Which funding options exist within the numerous European funds? And how do the European interest groups communicate about the needs of artists working independently? Which options for EU-wide networking do the various initiatives provide for artists working all over Europe? And how can we usefully support colleagues in other European countries who are discriminated against, imprisoned, tortured or murdered due to their artistic work?

Participants:

Stephan Behrmann (Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste)