Cultural Diversity: The European Experience The Drum, Birmingham
14th March 2006 Presented in association with Culture West Midlands 
About this conference
The UK is a culturally diverse population and our cultural sector is taking significant steps to ensure that issues of cultural diversity are being addressed. The Arts Council has implemented the decibel project, the National Campaign for the Arts has developed and launched the Diversity Manifesto following the evaluation of EQ's Creative Renewal programme, and many individual organisations have been or are looking forward to being involved in a wide range of eminent projects and initiatives. - But what do we know of the European experience?
- How are other countries responding to the issue of cultural diversity?
- What policies have they implemented?
- What examples of good practice can they share with us?
This conference explored the strategies and policies of our European colleagues. Delegates heard about specific projects and initiatives that seek to promote cultural diversity and address the challenges of contemporary European society. The conference also explored new links and opportunities for co-operation and learning. Speakers: - Joost Smiers, Professor of Political Science of the Arts, Utrecht School of Arts and author of Arts Under Pressure - Promoting Cultural Diversity in the Age of Globalisation
- Nina Obuljen, Assistant Minister for International Relations and EU Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Croatia
- Tsveta Andreeva, European Integration and International Cooperation Directorate, Ministry of Culture, Bulgaria
- Magdalena Kulikowska*, Project Co-ordinator, Pro Cultura Foundation
- Simona Bodo*, Researcher, Italy (also member of Board of CIRCLE)
- János Zoltán Szabó*, Research Officer, The Budapest Observatory
- Johannes Studinger, Media, Entertainment & Arts Sector of Union Network International (UNI-MEI)
- Samenua Sesher, Director, decibel, Arts Council England
- Tim Bryan, Director, Culture West Midlands
- Jo Verrent, Programme Director, EQ
- Ellen Collins, Editor of Diversity Manifesto, National Campaign for the Arts
- SuAndi, Director, Black Arts Alliance
* Ms. Kulikowska, Ms. Bodo and Mr. Szabo discussed the work undertaken by the CIRCLE network on the Metropolis of Europe: Urban Cultural Life and Inter-City Cultural Interactions for ‘Cultural Diversity' in Europe comparative study - a research project undertaken in six major European cities. Extras
Delegates also received a free copy of both UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and the Council of Europe's Opatija Declaration: Learning about intercultural dialogue. Attendance
A total of 90 delegates attended this event. Delegate Comments: ‘A very good idea. We definitely need to dialogue about cultural diversity." "Stimulating presentations." "Good mix of speakers and focus." "Very good presentations." "Very good day. Thank you for organising this event."
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