Interview
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
What is the idea of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue? Why was the year 2008 given such a title? And is dialogue needed in today’s united Europe? These questions are answered by the representatives of the National Centre for Culture who are the coordinators of the EYID in Poland.
“The main objective of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is to promote intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, in acquiring the knowledge and abilities to deal with a more open and more complex cultural environment. EYID 2008 also aims to raise the awareness of European citizens of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respectful of cultural diversity and based on common values in the EU.’’ What does this mean for individual citizens?
A.L.: We need to be aware of the fact that contemporary society is changing very quickly. The lack of borders results in an increasing migration of people, which in turn leads to the merging of cultures, traditions and religions. A contemporary European is not only a citizen of his/her own country, but also a citizen of entire Europe. The EYID is organized in order to make people aware that the ongoing social and cultural changes are not aimed at impoverishing native culture of particular Member States of the EU, on the contrary – such cultural diffusion will contribute to the enrichment of experience and will broaden the horizons of particular citizens. The EYID’s task is to point out to dialogue as a road to the peaceful co-existence of diverse nations within Europe, instead of intolerance, rejection or open hostility.
IR.: The idea behind the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may appear less abstract when we take a look at an exemplary project carried out within the framework of the Year of Dialogue, and its effects: within one of the educational projects of the Center for Citizenship Education entitled “Shared Past – Shared Future”, secondary school pupils all over Poland search for any traces of multicultural heritage in their neighbourhood; heritage which is often forgotten or rejected by the older members of the community. They learn about the history of their area and region, take action to restore, in the collective memory, the proofs of co-existence of different faiths, nations and ethnic groups, and they get in touch with people who nowadays belong to those groups. Young people who will come across the issue of multiculturalism by participating in such a project, or a similar one, will be aware of the existence of other attitudes, views and values, and will be able to appreciate not just the artefacts of their native culture. “Equipped” with the knowledge of other cultures and “sensitized” to the issue of multiculturalism, they will be able to relate to others in a positive and free-from-prejudice way and to cooperate with others, which will help them function better in the contemporary world - a world that is diverse and at the same time global.
Is there a need for dialogue in today’s united Europe?
IR.: It seems that the demand for dialogue between cultures will never become out-of-date. Dialogue, tolerance, pluralism of ideas and views in public life when combined with preserving and cherishing cultural identity are the values that form the foundation of the European Union, or even European culture itself. Behind the idea that dialogue has a crucial value for the Community lies the conviction that steps taken to facilitate dialogue with people of other cultures, other religions and with other views play a role in preventing conflicts. And finally, we should realize what a cultural melting pot contemporary Europe is: 27 nations speaking 22 languages, the freedom to travel, settle and work in any place within the EU – a contemporary European citizen should be capable of practicing dialogue, because on a daily basis he/she may face contact with people from other cultures.
A.L.: In the context of current social developments, one could say that a true dialogue is a priority. It should be a basic “tool” of communication with another person because only by means of dialogue we’re able to work out a common ground in a completely non-aggressive way. Besides, it helps us to understand the point of view of another person, which may prove crucial when we try to relate to a person whose culture or religion we don’t quite understand. Of course, dialogue requires the involvement of two parties. So the more common the idea of EYID will be, the more practical relevance it will have.
M.W.: The need for putting the idea of intercultural dialogue into practice in developed societies is obvious. The problem, to a large extent, is how to do it. Poland is a country, which, although it has noble traditions as regards co-existence of cultures and religions (the Warsaw Confederation of 1573 should be recalled here), at present is relatively homogeneous. According to the National Census of 2002, ethnic minorities constitute as little as 2-4% of the population of Poland. In this context, Poland’s accession to the EU in 2004 was a breakthrough and began a period of more intense migration within the EU itself, and elsewhere. From this perspective, promoting and learning effective dialogue in everyday life is extremely important. I hope the projects carried out within the framework of the EYID in Poland contribute not so much to the dissemination of the idea of dialogue, but rather show concrete ways how to (co)exist, (co)operate and (co)understand.
The National Centre for Culture coordinates the EYID in Poland. What are your responsibilities?
A.L.: The National Centre for Culture, as an institution coordinating the programme in Poland, developed the scheme for organizing the Year of Dialogue, and drafted as well as worked out, during consultations with the public, the final version of the document entitled “Poland’s National Strategy for The European Year of International Dialogue”. The next step for the National Centre for Culture was to select the applications for the participation in the programme in 2007. Thirteen sub-programmes were finally selected to be carried out as part of the EYID in Poland in 2008. The project for the organization of the Year of Dialogue, based on the realization of the selected projects, were submitted to and accepted by the European Commission.
At present we mostly coordinate the proper realization of the 13 sub-projects within the EYID. In practice, this means regular contact with the 13 partner institutions of the National Centre for Culture, assistance in the preparation of appropriate documents, realization of a given project and then assistance in settling the accounts. Apart from that, we take action to popularize the idea of the EYID: we run a website containing, among others, the information on planned and completed projects related to multicultural issues (www.dialog2008.pl), we provide information on the celebration of the Year of Dialogue in Poland, e.g. how to obtain non-financial support by organizing events under the patronage of the EYID. We also distribute the promotional materials related with the Year of Dialogue. And we also stay in contact with the European Commission as regards the implementation of the programme in Poland.
The project is realized by means of smaller projects carried out all over Poland. How could one join in the EYID project?
M.W.: In 2007 the National Centre for Culture, established as a national institution coordinating the organization of the EYID in Poland, announced a competition for projects related to the intercultural dialogue, which match the following four categories: debates and conferences, research and publications, festivals as well as workshops. As part of this competition, we chose 13 projects submitted by 13 different institutions from various places in Poland (NGOs and public institutions at a national and regional level). The results of the activities undertaken last year are the projects taking place throughout 2008 in different parts of the country. The descriptions of all the projects, the invitations to those forthcoming and the coverage of those already carried out are on the official website of the Year of Dialogue in Poland (www.dialog2008.pl). But it’s still possible to join in the celebration of the EYID.
A.L.: The institutions carrying out projects concerning multiculturalism can’t, at this stage, apply for funding, but their projects can be granted patronage of the EYID, in other words, the right to use the logo and the formats of the promotional materials of the EYID, as well as the right to display information about their projects at www.dialog2008.pl.
A project can be granted patronage of the EYID, if it’s carried out in 2008 and fulfils at least one goals of Poland’s National Strategy for the EYID. The National Centre for Culture has the right to grant patronage to projects realized in Poland. In case of international projects, one needs to directly contact the European Commission. The list of the projects under the patronage of the EYID is available on the national website of the EYID.
Why was the year 2008 chosen for the Year of Intercultural Dialogue?
IR: The decision to announce the year 2008 to be the Year of Intercultural Dialogue was made in December 2006 (Decision No 1983/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council), as proposed by the European Commission. But the idea itself was put forward by Jan Figel, European Commissioner for Culture in September 2004. Justifying his proposal, the Commissioner said: “Over the past few years, Europe has seen major changes resulting from successive enlargements of the Union, greater mobility in the Single Market, and increased travel to and trade with the rest of the world. This has resulted in interaction between Europeans and the different cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions on the continent and elsewhere. Dialogue between cultures would therefore appear to be an essential tool in forging closer links both between European peoples themselves and between their respective cultures.” The organization of the EYID was intentionally scheduled right after the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007), so as to enhance the effect of synergy and complementary character of the two initiatives.
M.W.: It’s worth mentioning that this year preparations are made for the organization of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009.
Who is most frequently active as regards promoting the idea of intercultural dialogue in Poland?
IR: There are more and more organizations promoting international dialogue in Poland. We should mention here the Foundation called “Pogranicze”, for 18 years it has been bridging cultures (within the framework of the Year of Dialogue, the Foundation has been carrying out the Polish-Lithuanian-Belorussian publishing project entitled “The Books of the Great Duchy of Lithuania”), the Centre for Culture and Dialogue in Kraków, the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, the Villa Decius Association, the Other Space Foundation... On the Polish website www.dialog2008.pl, under the heading “Dialogue Practitioners”, we gather information about Polish and international institutions, whose mission is to take action for the sake of dialogue, tolerance and pluralism. We also compile a catalogue of the best practises, i.e. the descriptions of the most interesting Polish intercultural projects. Our goal is to make the website as functional as possible so that it will be a reliable account of the Polish experience with regard to the dialogue, so that the profile will be kept after 2008 and will be a basis for sharing experience and information about intercultural dialogue.
M.W.: We shouldn’t overlook here the state institutions supporting the idea of intercultural dialogue. One of them is the Joint Commission of the Government and National and Ethnic Minorities. An active entity in this context is also the Ministry of Interior and Administration, and also the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which supports various cultural activities.
And what does dialogue look like in practice?
IR: In simple terms, it’s an encounter with another person during which – as Tischner said, and what became the motto of the Year in Poland – we look at ourselves as if through the eyes of the other person. It’s the kind of contact which does not end at the moment of confrontation, but it overcomes it. But it requires a certain attitude, an attitude of openness, of not claiming to be the only one who is right. We hope that the projects within the Year of Dialogue will help the participants to work out an attitude of openness to the diversity of the world.
M.W.: One of the projects submitted by the Marshal’s Office in Podlaskie Voivodeship shows how intercultural dialogue can be put into practice in the region where there are culturally diversified communities. The goal of the “Beyond the Tolerance” project is to carry out research to examine the attitudes of young people from Podlaskie Voivodeship when it comes to cultural otherness. The results of the research will be used for discussions about the ways of recognizing attitudes towards cultural otherness and will be the basis for educational activities and cultural initiatives. Such a strategy enhances the effectiveness of the projects. Dialogue in practice, in accordance with the title of the project, may lead to more than “eliminating otherness in the situation where it makes one uncomfortable” (tolerance as understood in Toleration by P.King, 1976)
“The main objective of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is to promote intercultural dialogue as an instrument to assist European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, in acquiring the knowledge and abilities to deal with a more open and more complex cultural environment. EYID 2008 also aims to raise the awareness of European citizens of the importance of developing an active European citizenship which is open to the world, respectful of cultural diversity and based on common values in the EU.’’ What does this mean for individual citizens?
A.L.: We need to be aware of the fact that contemporary society is changing very quickly. The lack of borders results in an increasing migration of people, which in turn leads to the merging of cultures, traditions and religions. A contemporary European is not only a citizen of his/her own country, but also a citizen of entire Europe. The EYID is organized in order to make people aware that the ongoing social and cultural changes are not aimed at impoverishing native culture of particular Member States of the EU, on the contrary – such cultural diffusion will contribute to the enrichment of experience and will broaden the horizons of particular citizens. The EYID’s task is to point out to dialogue as a road to the peaceful co-existence of diverse nations within Europe, instead of intolerance, rejection or open hostility.
IR.: The idea behind the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue may appear less abstract when we take a look at an exemplary project carried out within the framework of the Year of Dialogue, and its effects: within one of the educational projects of the Center for Citizenship Education entitled “Shared Past – Shared Future”, secondary school pupils all over Poland search for any traces of multicultural heritage in their neighbourhood; heritage which is often forgotten or rejected by the older members of the community. They learn about the history of their area and region, take action to restore, in the collective memory, the proofs of co-existence of different faiths, nations and ethnic groups, and they get in touch with people who nowadays belong to those groups. Young people who will come across the issue of multiculturalism by participating in such a project, or a similar one, will be aware of the existence of other attitudes, views and values, and will be able to appreciate not just the artefacts of their native culture. “Equipped” with the knowledge of other cultures and “sensitized” to the issue of multiculturalism, they will be able to relate to others in a positive and free-from-prejudice way and to cooperate with others, which will help them function better in the contemporary world - a world that is diverse and at the same time global.
Is there a need for dialogue in today’s united Europe?
IR.: It seems that the demand for dialogue between cultures will never become out-of-date. Dialogue, tolerance, pluralism of ideas and views in public life when combined with preserving and cherishing cultural identity are the values that form the foundation of the European Union, or even European culture itself. Behind the idea that dialogue has a crucial value for the Community lies the conviction that steps taken to facilitate dialogue with people of other cultures, other religions and with other views play a role in preventing conflicts. And finally, we should realize what a cultural melting pot contemporary Europe is: 27 nations speaking 22 languages, the freedom to travel, settle and work in any place within the EU – a contemporary European citizen should be capable of practicing dialogue, because on a daily basis he/she may face contact with people from other cultures.
A.L.: In the context of current social developments, one could say that a true dialogue is a priority. It should be a basic “tool” of communication with another person because only by means of dialogue we’re able to work out a common ground in a completely non-aggressive way. Besides, it helps us to understand the point of view of another person, which may prove crucial when we try to relate to a person whose culture or religion we don’t quite understand. Of course, dialogue requires the involvement of two parties. So the more common the idea of EYID will be, the more practical relevance it will have.
M.W.: The need for putting the idea of intercultural dialogue into practice in developed societies is obvious. The problem, to a large extent, is how to do it. Poland is a country, which, although it has noble traditions as regards co-existence of cultures and religions (the Warsaw Confederation of 1573 should be recalled here), at present is relatively homogeneous. According to the National Census of 2002, ethnic minorities constitute as little as 2-4% of the population of Poland. In this context, Poland’s accession to the EU in 2004 was a breakthrough and began a period of more intense migration within the EU itself, and elsewhere. From this perspective, promoting and learning effective dialogue in everyday life is extremely important. I hope the projects carried out within the framework of the EYID in Poland contribute not so much to the dissemination of the idea of dialogue, but rather show concrete ways how to (co)exist, (co)operate and (co)understand.
The National Centre for Culture coordinates the EYID in Poland. What are your responsibilities?
A.L.: The National Centre for Culture, as an institution coordinating the programme in Poland, developed the scheme for organizing the Year of Dialogue, and drafted as well as worked out, during consultations with the public, the final version of the document entitled “Poland’s National Strategy for The European Year of International Dialogue”. The next step for the National Centre for Culture was to select the applications for the participation in the programme in 2007. Thirteen sub-programmes were finally selected to be carried out as part of the EYID in Poland in 2008. The project for the organization of the Year of Dialogue, based on the realization of the selected projects, were submitted to and accepted by the European Commission.
At present we mostly coordinate the proper realization of the 13 sub-projects within the EYID. In practice, this means regular contact with the 13 partner institutions of the National Centre for Culture, assistance in the preparation of appropriate documents, realization of a given project and then assistance in settling the accounts. Apart from that, we take action to popularize the idea of the EYID: we run a website containing, among others, the information on planned and completed projects related to multicultural issues (www.dialog2008.pl), we provide information on the celebration of the Year of Dialogue in Poland, e.g. how to obtain non-financial support by organizing events under the patronage of the EYID. We also distribute the promotional materials related with the Year of Dialogue. And we also stay in contact with the European Commission as regards the implementation of the programme in Poland.
The project is realized by means of smaller projects carried out all over Poland. How could one join in the EYID project?
M.W.: In 2007 the National Centre for Culture, established as a national institution coordinating the organization of the EYID in Poland, announced a competition for projects related to the intercultural dialogue, which match the following four categories: debates and conferences, research and publications, festivals as well as workshops. As part of this competition, we chose 13 projects submitted by 13 different institutions from various places in Poland (NGOs and public institutions at a national and regional level). The results of the activities undertaken last year are the projects taking place throughout 2008 in different parts of the country. The descriptions of all the projects, the invitations to those forthcoming and the coverage of those already carried out are on the official website of the Year of Dialogue in Poland (www.dialog2008.pl). But it’s still possible to join in the celebration of the EYID.
A.L.: The institutions carrying out projects concerning multiculturalism can’t, at this stage, apply for funding, but their projects can be granted patronage of the EYID, in other words, the right to use the logo and the formats of the promotional materials of the EYID, as well as the right to display information about their projects at www.dialog2008.pl.
A project can be granted patronage of the EYID, if it’s carried out in 2008 and fulfils at least one goals of Poland’s National Strategy for the EYID. The National Centre for Culture has the right to grant patronage to projects realized in Poland. In case of international projects, one needs to directly contact the European Commission. The list of the projects under the patronage of the EYID is available on the national website of the EYID.
Why was the year 2008 chosen for the Year of Intercultural Dialogue?
IR: The decision to announce the year 2008 to be the Year of Intercultural Dialogue was made in December 2006 (Decision No 1983/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council), as proposed by the European Commission. But the idea itself was put forward by Jan Figel, European Commissioner for Culture in September 2004. Justifying his proposal, the Commissioner said: “Over the past few years, Europe has seen major changes resulting from successive enlargements of the Union, greater mobility in the Single Market, and increased travel to and trade with the rest of the world. This has resulted in interaction between Europeans and the different cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions on the continent and elsewhere. Dialogue between cultures would therefore appear to be an essential tool in forging closer links both between European peoples themselves and between their respective cultures.” The organization of the EYID was intentionally scheduled right after the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All (2007), so as to enhance the effect of synergy and complementary character of the two initiatives.
M.W.: It’s worth mentioning that this year preparations are made for the organization of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009.
Who is most frequently active as regards promoting the idea of intercultural dialogue in Poland?
IR: There are more and more organizations promoting international dialogue in Poland. We should mention here the Foundation called “Pogranicze”, for 18 years it has been bridging cultures (within the framework of the Year of Dialogue, the Foundation has been carrying out the Polish-Lithuanian-Belorussian publishing project entitled “The Books of the Great Duchy of Lithuania”), the Centre for Culture and Dialogue in Kraków, the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, the Villa Decius Association, the Other Space Foundation... On the Polish website www.dialog2008.pl, under the heading “Dialogue Practitioners”, we gather information about Polish and international institutions, whose mission is to take action for the sake of dialogue, tolerance and pluralism. We also compile a catalogue of the best practises, i.e. the descriptions of the most interesting Polish intercultural projects. Our goal is to make the website as functional as possible so that it will be a reliable account of the Polish experience with regard to the dialogue, so that the profile will be kept after 2008 and will be a basis for sharing experience and information about intercultural dialogue.
M.W.: We shouldn’t overlook here the state institutions supporting the idea of intercultural dialogue. One of them is the Joint Commission of the Government and National and Ethnic Minorities. An active entity in this context is also the Ministry of Interior and Administration, and also the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which supports various cultural activities.
And what does dialogue look like in practice?
IR: In simple terms, it’s an encounter with another person during which – as Tischner said, and what became the motto of the Year in Poland – we look at ourselves as if through the eyes of the other person. It’s the kind of contact which does not end at the moment of confrontation, but it overcomes it. But it requires a certain attitude, an attitude of openness, of not claiming to be the only one who is right. We hope that the projects within the Year of Dialogue will help the participants to work out an attitude of openness to the diversity of the world.
M.W.: One of the projects submitted by the Marshal’s Office in Podlaskie Voivodeship shows how intercultural dialogue can be put into practice in the region where there are culturally diversified communities. The goal of the “Beyond the Tolerance” project is to carry out research to examine the attitudes of young people from Podlaskie Voivodeship when it comes to cultural otherness. The results of the research will be used for discussions about the ways of recognizing attitudes towards cultural otherness and will be the basis for educational activities and cultural initiatives. Such a strategy enhances the effectiveness of the projects. Dialogue in practice, in accordance with the title of the project, may lead to more than “eliminating otherness in the situation where it makes one uncomfortable” (tolerance as understood in Toleration by P.King, 1976)
Check the archive
nr 47 September 2008
theme of the issue:
INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
< spis treści
Article
From the Editors
Interview
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
Presentation
Music Found
Career in Culture
Crucible of diversity - interview with Aleksandra Halicka, The Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, Maja Ruszkowska-Mazerant
Culture Industries
Transient culture - interview with Małgorzata Bieńkowska, Maciej Mazerant
Workshop
Profitable dialogue