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- 06.09.10 LabforCulture reports live from the 'Culture and Policies of Change' conference in Brussels Read more...
- 04.08.10 Members General Assembly and Culture Action Europe Conference 7-9 October 2010 in Brussels Read more...
- 14.07.10 OMC working group reports have been published Read more...
- 17.06.10 Culture Action Europe Newsletter #3 2010 Read more...
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- 14.01.10 Our contribution to the EC consultation on the future EU 2020 strategy Read more...
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- 07.12.09 Culture Action Europe Newsletter #8 Read more...
- 18.08.09 Post elections analysis – to know more about the composition of the new European Parliament and of the new Culture Committee Read more...
| How to progress on the development of a shared strategy for Culture in Europe? |
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Just before Sweden shouldered the EU Presidency on 1 July this year, there was a lively public exchange of opinions between the Swedish Ministry of Culture and representatives of the cultural sector. It was held in major newspapers and on radio/TV stations. Criticism aimed at the Swedish government centered around its apparent lack of interest in international, and specifically European, cultural policy development. In fact, Culture has literally no place in the agenda for the Swedish Presidency and Swedish investment in international cultural relations is highly limited in comparison to the annual cultural budget. The Communication on Culture, launched by the European Commission in 2007, created certain expectations and the sweet promise of a coordinated European cultural policy. This is still a thorn in the eye for some Member States, who see cultural policy as a national privilege. But the reactions have been mostly positive and the Communication intensified debate at the Member State level about what role the EU should play in developing strategies. In this light, a few quotes from the Swedish debate (Svenska Dagbladet, june/july 2009) may illuminate a change of tendency and at the same time reveal an uncomfortable passivity on the part of national governments: Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth (Minister of Culture/Sweden) and Cecilia Magnusson (chair of the Cultural Committee/Swedish Parliament) wrote: “… On the 12th of June there was an article about the lack of interest for cultural issues amongst our MEPs. If this is the case, it is unfortunate. We all know that various expressions of culture … can build bridges between people and countries. Culture is therefore extra important in Europe, plagued by wars and conflicts for thousands of years. Sometimes we tend to believe that we are more different than we actually are. But even if we speak different languages and have different religious beliefs, there are more things that unite than divide us. We share a common European history. Therefore it is good to have a common strategy for cultural policy within the EU as well. For the years 2007-2013 (note from Culture Action Europe: a confusion between the Culture Programme and the European Agenda for Culture?) the European Commission has, for the first time, introduced a cultural strategy that promotes culture as a growth factor and as an active tool in the EU’s connections with the rest of the world. This is a goal that we, the Conservatives, stand behind. The EU does not, nor should it, play a legislative role in cultural issues. However, we think that a variety of cultural expressions are important tools in order for us to understand each other better.” Chris Torch, director of Intercult and vice president for Culture Action Europe responded: “Soon the ship leaves the harbor, carrying with it hundreds of MEP’s who have the overwhelming task of realizing the European Project. 18 of the passengers are Swedes and none of them want to join the Culture and Education Committee in Brussels. This is very unfortunate. Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth and Cecilia Magnusson strike a new and exciting tone when they emphasize the power of culture and Europe’s future. It is the first time since Sweden’s entry into the EU that our government, our Minister of Culture, speaks so clearly.” Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth and Cecilia Magnusson wrote: “There are many different languages and religions in Europe and, parallel with a common European history, each nation has its own history. Unfortunately there are also prejudices and preconceptions between the countries. These are best challenged through dialogue and exchange – intercultural dialogue. This is the way culture can contribute to the deepening of European collaboration. During the upcoming Swedish EU Presidency, we have the opportunity to reinforce culture’s role in Europe, using it as a catalyst for growth and creativity. Neither can Culture’s significant role in EU external relations be emphasized enough.” Chris Torch responded: “Liljeroth and Magnusson identify several reasons why we should engage. They highlight the Swedish EU Presidency as an opportunity to fortify culture’s role in Europe. But where are the concrete proposals? The upcoming Presidency promises nothing when it comes to culture. It is barely on the agenda. In order for Sweden to pursue a European cultural policy the government has to invest nationally as well. It is important for two reasons. Firstly, a signal is sent to our new MEPs: culture is an important transnational issue, we want to be involved. Secondly, Swedish producers who want to work internationally will have better conditions to do so.” And finally, Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth and Cecilia Magnusson wrote: “The fundamental idea for the creation of the EU was to prevent war, thereby hindering the emergence of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. In today’s EU discussions we reconnect far too infrequently with this fundamental idea. We live in an unstable and troubled world – with oppression, nuclear threats and political extremism – and we need to keep reminding each other of why the EU was formed. It is the idea of lasting peace that is at the heart of the collaboration. With the help of culture’s many forms we can communicate this common European history and contribute to greater understanding and respect for the European project.” Chris Torch responded: “If Europe is not a cultural project – then it is nothing at all. Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth and Cecilia Magnusson, you have the political influence to not only speak insightfully but to also support those ideas that you yourselves have presented. What is the next step?” This approach from the Swedish Ministry of Culture, defined in these few lines in a debate, underlines the complications of coordinating national cultural policy with the emerging Euroepan objectives. There are basically four spheres where cultural policy is defined, not only in Sweden but throughout Europe: the local/urban, the regional, the national and finally the intensified European level. There is a real danger in this diversity: policies are often made at each level without serious dialogue between the various decision makers. In the recent Swedish National Cultural Survey, a term was put forward: the “architecture of cultural politics”. It refers to the design of decision-making - who does what, who carries the responsibility, how coordination between the different levels is managed. For me the term implies a significant opportunity. If there is an ”architecture of cultural politics” it means that choices are based on a design, a totality. In order to design something we have to know what function the new construction will have. What are the objectives? What role can Arts and Culture play in the stumbling European Project? Entertainment for the masses? Economic development? National and cultural heritage? Increased citizenship and participation? It’s time to draw the map for a coordinated effort. Who forms the cultural landscape? What roles do the municipal authorities want to play? The regions? The national governments? And can the European Commission actually decide anything about cultural development? A certain harmonization is needed. And at the same time a delegation of power and influence is essential. There are cultural questions which are best dealt with at the local and regional levels. There are others which need a broader consensus and which define the future of European Project. This work can only be done by Culture Action Europe and its member organisations. To be equipped for this essential task, we need to strengthen our voice and our influence: nationally, regionally and in Brussels. The next few years will tell the story, as we move towards 2013 and the next 7 year budget plan, which will most certainly include a Cultural Programmed under fire. Its time to get our role as ”architects” right. Otherwise we may find that we have designed our European House on a bed of shifting sand, without appropriate communication between the rooms and public spaces that we dream about. Chris Torch Artistic Director - INTERCULT Vice President - Culture Action Europe |