Expert Meeting Community Arts

On Friday 2nd of March, the ENCC (European Network of Cultural Centres) and the Department for Arts and Culture in Rotterdam will organize an expert meeting on community arts in a broad sense. Community arts in theatre, dance, plastic art .... The development of community arts varies across Europe as well as the definition of the term. Some say community arts are merely a tool to attract new audiences. Others argue that community arts should be a way to lead citizens the way to the so called higher arts. And a third group states that community arts are an instrument to reach social goals, such as integration, cohesion and personal competences. In all cases, community arts are looked upon as a tool to reach a second goal. Yet others hold a strong plea that community arts should be defined as an art form for, with and aimed at common people, taking their story and their day to day experiences as a key starting point. Whatever definition you support, all arts facilitators are invited to participate to this meeting and to share experiences.

Practical

• The aim of the meeting is to bring together colleagues working in cultural centres all over Europe to exchange experiences on this theme. In Rotterdam they will find a long tradition on community arts projects. Every second year the city even organizes an international festival.
• For 10 participants, the ENCC can bring in a financial support in either transport, either the lodgement costs.
• The group will be limited for organizational reasons to 20. Aim is to have a working type group where all participants really participate.
• Out of the first expert group meeting 'Heuritage' in December 2011, the participants are planning to apply together for a European project. ENCC is convinced that bringing together those staff members who are local ‘experts’ in a specific field, will lead to more international cooperation and common projects between de members.

Interested?

Please subscribe by sending a short motivation letter to the ENCC office: office @ encc.eu with a copy to Ruud Breteler, coordinator of this meeting in the Rotterdam Cultural department.

The Rotterdam team has an option for hotel accommodation till the 2nd of February next. So please, answer before this deadline.