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CONFERENCE “EU STRATEGIC CHALLENGES IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION”
14 November 2008, Riga
The Cultural Dimension of the Baltic Sea Region: Identity, Framework and Future
Challenges
Presentation by Dace Melbarde
The Baltic Sea Region :
a fiction
or
unity in diversity?
Balticness: the deepening of the comprehension
of common identity
Pre-conditions for enhancement of regional identity and a dialogue of cultures
1. the awareness of common history and joint efforts to safeguard its heritage,
2. well developed networks and platforms of cultural cooperation, both intergovernmental and non-governmental,
3. shared responsibility for the common destiny of the Baltic Sea and the people living on its shores based on principles of sustainability.
“Which borders are exclusive, which are
inclusive?” Janis Kreslins
“One of the most important borders in this region has been the one between the urban and rural regions. Still today, it is possible to move from one city of the Baltic Sea Region to another without the feeling of having transgressed borders” J.Kreslins
Even linguistic borders are important
“Why we have chosen English as our language of communication here today, when this region has a tradition of semi-communication?”J.Kreslins
“How do we incorporate the cultural experience of the past, now lost, into the one that we are creating today?” J.Kreslins
Cultural experience of the past creating present
Expedition from the “Varangians to the
Greeks” by the Viking sailboat “Aifur”
Cultural experience of the past creating present
City league Hansa
Important structures of Baltic Sea region cultural cooperation
• The Conference of Ministers for Culture of the Baltic Sea States
• ARS BALTICA network
• The Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage in the Baltic Sea States
Long-term objectives for intergovernmental cultural cooperation
among the BSS
• safeguarding cultural heritage, paying particular attention to the enhancement of accessibility to cultural heritage, especially for children and young people
• promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and exchange
• enhancing the impact of cultural sectors on the development of creative economy
ARS BALTICAhttp://www.ars-baltica.net/
a starting point for many well-known cultural initiatives and traditions in the region:
the travelling Baltic photo triennials, Rauma Biennale Balticum, Port of Art, JazzBaltica, folkBALTICA and many others
Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage in the
Baltic Sea States http://www.baltic-heritage.net/
Main issues:• the underwater heritage of the Baltic Sea itself. • preventing illicit trade of cultural goods and “black
archaeology”• the accessibility of cultural heritage• ties between cultural heritage and education
sectors• developing cultural tourism• the digitalization of the heritage
International framework of Baltic Sea States culture cooperation
• the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005)
• the White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue “Living Together As Equals in Dignity” (2008)
• the future EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region • the Political Declaration and the Policy Framework Document
of the Northern Dimension (2006)• the first meeting of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership
Council on Culture and its Joint Statement (2007)• 2008 - the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue• 2009 - the European Year of Creativity and Innovation• the European Agenda for Culture (2007)
The European Agenda for Culture in the Globalising World
Three common sets of objectives:
• cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
• culture as a catalyst for creativity
• culture as a key component in international relations
Culture and creativity: a driving force for
future economic growth
“Regional economic growth is powered by creative people, who prefer places that are diverse, tolerant and open to new ideas. Diversity increases the odds that a place will attract different types of creative people with different skill sets and ideas. Places with diverse mixes of creative people are more likely to generate new combinations.”
Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class, 2002, p 249.
Recent researches on creative economies and creative industries
• Creative Economy Report 2008: The challenge of assessing the creative economy towards informed policy-making
presented by UNCTAD in 2008
http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/ditc20082cer_en.pdf
• Study on the Economy of Culture in Europe
prepared for the European Commission in 2006
http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/sources_info/studies/economy_en.html
The major challenges of Baltic Sea States cooperation
• how to motivate population to take an active part in cultural life and develop their creative talent and skills
• how to integrate cultural and creative sectors into sustainable development of the region, avoiding the risks of the instrumentalisation of culture
Widening notion of culture
Culture is not a kind of decorative element, which is added when society has satisfied its basic needs.
Culture is a basic need and a value in itself.
Many thanks for your attention!
Contact:
Dace Melbārde
e-mail:
