Many artists work interculturally as a daily part of the exploration of ideas and creation of work, from interrogation of their own cultural heritage to engagement in the globalised communities they inhabit – mostly several at once! A lot of dialogue and negotiation can also be invested in the production and presentation of art. The question asked was : Is there a connection between intercultural dialogue as intrinsic to creative processes and artistic production, and ‘intercultural dialogue’ as a burgeoning public policy area for the EU and various national authorities across the world that support the arts?
To discuss this, the IETM network, in partnership with the European Cultural Contact Point Ireland and the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, organised a Satellite Meeting about intercultural dialogue and the performing arts, which took place in Dublin, 25-27 June 2008. The main meeting content featured live art performances, as well break out groups, and a panel discussion led by artists and producers. There was also a session involving IETM Associate Members and other Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies from Europe, Australia and Asia to review current and prospective policies relating to intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and the arts. As well as working groups and two panel discussions, we were privileged to include two contemporary works within the formal programme of the meeting: Robin Deacon performed Dispatches, and Jiva Parthipan performed Necessary Journey.
At the same time as the IETM Satellite Meeting, the ‘We are Here 3.0’ festival curated by the Project Arts Centre took place 23 June to 5 July 2008 in Project Arts Centre and across the Dublin Docklands.
This satellite meeting was co-hosted by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the European Cultural Contact Point Ireland in partnership with CREATE, Project Arts Centre, Culture Ireland and the National Consultative Committee for Racism and Interculturalism - National Focal Point for 2008 – European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.
