In the last decades the concept of soft power, as opposed to hard power, has emerged and gained clear identity. Diplomacy has undergone radical change and according to many current thinkers conventional diplomacy is not able to provide answers to the challenges posed by present-day realities.
In response to this EUNIC London and the European Commission Representation in the UK host this seminar which will look at the role to soft power and the challenges and opportunities of using art and culture – indeed cultural relations - as vehicles of national foreign policy.
This timely event will bring together cultural attachés and directors of the national cultural centres based in the UK, leaders of major British art organizations and leaders of EUNIC. The participants will have the opportunity to network, to discuss the topic and to raise issues they feel are important for further consideration.
The panel includes:
Simon Anholt - Independent policy advisor, author and researcher
Abdel Ilah Bennis - Professor of MA Diplomatic Studies, University of Westminster
Iwona Blazwick - Director of the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London
Alison Crabb - Deputy Head of Cultural Unit, European Commission
Anne-Marie Croes - Flemish Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Media
Martin Davidson - CEO of British Council
John Holden - Visiting Professor at City University, previously Demos' Head of Culture
Ruth Mackenzie - Director of Cultural Olympiad 2012
Horia-Roman Patapievici - President of the Romanian Cultural Institute and President of EUNIC
Sir Bob Scott – European Capital of Culture
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