21 to 24/08 The London Art as Cultural Diplomacy Conference 2013
01 Aug, 2013
The London Art as Cultural Diplomacy Conference 2013
“Contemporary International Dialogue: Art-based Developments and Culture Shared between Nations”
(London; August 21st – 24th, 2013 – Held Parallel to “The Notting Hill Carnival 2013”)
Given the exponential growth in international dialogue and collaboration, the facilitation of sustainable bilateral and multilateral cooperation has assumed a new global importance. The power of art as a tool for Cultural Diplomacy is often underestimated and set aside in favor of more traditional forms of diplomacy or classical foreign policies.
The role and influence that art can have in bringing different cultures and societies together is being ever more highly recognized as a unique platform for international dialogue. A wide variety of mediums of art, including dance, comedy, music, film, and literature provide opportunities for didactic advancement and can thus facilitate the initiation of dialogue, the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and the raising of cultural awareness and appreciation. For decades, art has played an important role as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and is currently an integral part of the foreign policy of many countries. While art as cultural diplomacy has often been implemented on official levels by ambassadors and governmental initiatives, it also has frequently been implemented on a more informal basis by civil society practitioners, artists and individuals at the grassroots level, and in these cases has often achieved greater levels of success.
The Conference will explore these themes in depth by bringing a diverse and interdisciplinary mix of speakers, artists, experts and practitioners from around the globe to discuss the historical and contemporary uses of art as Cultural Diplomacy. The analysis of specific case studies will provide a framework from which the use of art as a Cultural Diplomacy tool will be explored, enabling participants to actively engage in workshops, seminars, lectures and cultural events and performances in order to enhance their understanding of this important issue and further encourage initiatives in this area.
The following are among the speakers for the Symposium:
Anna Gruszka – Music and Theatre Programmer, Polish Cultural Institute
Beatrice Ndung’u – Founder, Young Media Foundation
David Soul – Celebrated Actor, Director & Singer
The Hon. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges – Former Speaker of the Parliament of Luxemburg; Former Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs
Esther Roniyah Stanford-Xosei – Community Advocate and Radio Broadcaster
Helen Gilbert – Professor of Theatre, Centre for International Theatre and Performance Research, Drama Department, Royal Holloway
Marcia Barrett – Lead Singer of Boney M
Prof. Dr. Martin Mhando – Director, Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)
Martin Witts – Owner, Leicester Square Theatre
Miriam Halahmy – Author & Poet
Prof. Dr. Renee Tobe – Subject Director of Architecture, University of East London
Sandra Shevey – Associate Tutor, British Film Institute
Prof. Dr. Shzr Tan – Professor, Music Department, Royal Holloway, University of London
Prof. Dr. Timon Screech – Professor, Department of the History of Art & Archaeology, School of Oriental and African Studies
Prof. Tina K. Ramnarine – Professor, Department of Music, Royal Holloway
Tony Langford – Director, Kinetica Museum
Tsitsi Dangarembga – Director, Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA) Trust
Tyne O’Connell – International Bestselling Author
William Arthurs – Editor, City City Magazine
The Hon. Yasar Yakis – Former Foreign Minister of Turkey
Ziba Norman – Editorial Board Member, London Society Journal
Please visit us: www.icd-languageofartandmusic.org
