Europe Talkshow: Culture! Solidarity! Future?

This talk show will address the tectonic rift that first the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the war in Europe has caused in the cultural sector. How can artists, creatives, activists, and politicians show unity and solidarity with Ukraine while combating divisive forces and narratives that work against our common future?

Emergency measures are needed on the ground and in the digital sphere. Humanitarian aid and legal action. Culture has its role to play in addressing the urgencies of today and the traumas of tomorrow. It is about the power of culture to unite and mobilise, to soothe pain and to help rebuild relations and trust. Is Europe ready to shape and unfold a European Cultural Deal for Europe, and for Ukraine in particular? 

20:00 – 20:15 Europe speech by HRH Princess Laurentien: What is the role of culture in building a resilient, sustainable and solidary Europe? 

Directly followed by a talk show with:

Vasyl Cherepanyn (director, Visual Cultural Research Centre, Kyiv, Princess Margriet for Culture Award laureate 2015, Ukraine), Sophia Bulgakova (artist, Ukraine, The Netherlands) Giuliano da Empoli (author and political scientist, Italy/Switzerland), Olivier Guez (journalist and writer, France), Maria Hlavajova [director BAK, Netherlands), Gijs de Vries (senior visiting fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science), Dewi van de Weerd (Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation) and Luis Vassy (French Ambassador to the Netherlands).

Moderated by: Yoeri Albrecht (director, De Balie).