EN

The last day of the conference should have taken place in Karolin in the European Centre for the Promotion of Regional and National Culture. For the reason that building is still on the construction the conference took place, like two previous days, in Fabryka Trzciny.

Unfortunately Marshall Adam Struzik could not come. Welcome speech was given by V-ce Marshall Tomasz Siemoniak. He expressed his satisfaction that this conference was organized in Warsaw, in Mazowieckie voivodship. He also mentioned the importance of support for organisations and he underlined that motivation which is placed in our hearts should be supported by wise public sponsors.

First session, entitled “Current strategic interests of cultural organisations in Europe” was moderated by Ilona Kish. Cecile Despringre- CEO of the Federation of European Film Directors and Christopher Gordon- Consultant on Cultural Policy and Management, took the floor during this part. We were divided into small groups what made possible for everybody to express theirs opinions. One of the conclusion of our discussion was that all cultural sectors should cooperate, as well as cooperation between countries should be stronger. We were trying to find an answer for the questions like On which platform we could cooperate? On which agenda we could find a common frame of action? Actually, there was no clear answer, however everyone was sure that improvement of cooperation is needed if we want to win “big battles” in the future. The issue of efficient communication was strongly emphasizing. Also the situation of organizations in small towns which participation in discussions on European level is very weak was mentioned. There was also said that Europe is not yet a cultural project… but it could be. We should work out common goals. As well as one tool for all people who work in the cultural sector should be created.

Second session was entitled “Structured dialogue and participation – Influencing policy at EU level, Culture in Action”. It was moderated by Raj Isar- EFAH President. Lidia Makowska- Director of the Kulturamiejska, touched upon the question Why Ministries are afraid of creating cultural policies? Vladimir Sucha- Director for Culture and Communication in European Commission, strongly underlined that we all should be engaged and involved in creating policy. Dragan Klaic- Permanent Fellow of the Felix Meritis Foundation, emphasized the importance of cultural networks. I found this part of the conference very interesting and exciting, especially because of the heated dispute concerned open methods of coordination (Communication on a European Agenda for culture in a globalizing world). The opinions that it will be a new bureaucratic instrument, that it will not involve people appeared but Mr. Vladimir Sucha was bravely defending his position on this issue.

It might be said that all debates from previous days were brought together today. Summarizing all discussions from the last day of the conference. It is very important to be engaged and interested in creating cultural policy. Everybody should feel the responsibility and everyone should built up communication and cooperation. We should take part in the negotiation process, we have to be visible. We can not forget that creativity is fundamental for intercultural dialogue. It is incredibly important to create new, common visions, strategies… all together.

Anna Stępniewska