Re-network! (short overview of the conference)

Re-network!

International conference on networking in the cultural sector

12 June 2008

City Hotel Ljubljana, Dalmatinova 15, Slovenia

Short overview of the conference

The international conference dedicated to the topic of networking and stimulating transnational cooperation and free flow of information in the cultural sector hosted altogether 150 participants, mainly representatives of various international cultural networks, including ca. 50 delegates of European Cultural Contact Points.

A lively and sincere discussion involving speakers as well as the audience has reaffirmed the absolute significance of transnational networks while highlighting their specific roles as:
- ‘guardians’ of the public domain (the power of networking is sharing),
-  common platforms for identification of and discussion on relevant issues,
- ‘translators’ (mediators) between different stakeholders,
- empowering structures (survival and self-education; visibility and recognition),
- enablers of the decentralisation of cultural industry.

In general it was stressed that culture should not be seen as a mean (illustration, decoration, PR) but as a value as such. As a concrete example of anachronistic notion of the role of culture in our society, the obsolete and unproductive category of »Ambassadors« supported within the EU Culture Programme was pointed out. This financial support should be rather used to stimulate networks and festivals which can actually enhance transnational cooperation. (more…)