The event entitled ‘Freedom, Culture, Citizenship and the changing role of the Artist in the staccato society – A European Perspective: The Artist as Citizen’ is organised by the Europaïsche Akademie Berlin (EAB) in cooperation with the European House for Culture (EHfC) and supported by Felix Meritis Connecting Cultures (FMCC). The conference will take place from 30 October to 1 November 2024 in Berlin.

The conference language is English.

Aims of the conference:

1. Role of the artist as a citizen: The conference addresses the role of the artist as driving force for active citizenship, sustainable development as well as the strengthening of European identity.
2. Cultural competences: Discussions on the necessary cultural competences of Europeans in the context of European integration.
3. Involvement of artists: Emphasising the importance of involving artists in the political and social decision-making process.

Conference 2024: The Artist as Citizen

Culture and the arts are of fundamental importance to society and play a central role in the process of European integration. Their contribution needs to be better recognised and the sector should have more weight in the European decision-making process. More and more artistic, cultural and educational initiatives should be placed at the centre of the debate on strengthening European identity through education and culture.

The conference will bring together people from different sectors who do not normally have the opportunity to meet in order to promote the exchange of ideas and co-operation. The artists, curators, directors, journalists and policy makers invited to the conference this year will put forward proposals to accelerate this necessary European civic process and pool their efforts as partners for the future.

Important questions:

• What is the role and responsibility of artists and cultural professionals in the public sphere?
• How do they contribute to European citizenship?
• How can synergies in the cultural sector be strengthened in order to maximise political influence?
• What tools can the EU and the Member States develop to integrate the ‘artist as citizen’ into their policy measures?
• How can the sector’s contribution be made more visible and effectively considered in the decision-making process at local up to European level?

Background:

The conference builds on a previous event in autumn 2023, which focused on European culture, civic education and citizenship. The aim was to empower citizens and promote dialogue between culture, politics and education.

Conference 2023: Connecting Cultures: Empowering Citizens

Autum 2023 we, EAB/FMCC, organised the conference on European cultural, political and civic education: Connecting Cultures: Empowering Citizens

An event with insightful discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at empowering citizens across Europe. A dynamic conference promoting dialogue on the intersection of culture, politics and civic education. The implicit role of arts and heritage, the importance of collaboration and investment in cultural and academic associations across Europe were emphasised.

Different experiences, cultures and backgrounds came together to emphasise the importance of investing in research, collaboration and the cultivation of European values. Through glocal discussions and shared experiences, participants were empowered to fulfil their role as ambassadors for a more inclusive and connected Europe.

The pilot activities of various smaller and larger bigger artists and art institutions (such as Paul Spies, Berlin Global; and/or Dejan Ubovic, Belgrade, the Museum of the Nineties;, or Joseph Sassoon Semah, the ‘blank page’, all participants of last year’s meeting at the EAB, could be an inspiration for artists, museum curators, academics, journalists and other European citizens.

After discussing the different practices in various countries, the participants came to the joint conclusion that contextualisation of presented artworks is crucial. This can only be achieved in close cooperation with a dedicated staff and invited artists as well as with journalists, academics and politicians. The ever more demanding communication with the citizens urges such a comprehensive approach. Art can speak less and less for itself and needs to be placed in a relevant context.

Current study by the European Commission on the connection between culture and democracy

Document: Connecting Cultures 2023

Full report on the Conference 2023: Connecting Cultures: Empowering Citizens

Venue and organisation:

The conference will be held in Berlin at the Europaïsche Akademie Berlin (EAB).

Moderation and organisation by experienced experts and institutional partners.