UE 2009   |  Español

Strategies for the Development of Arts, Innovation and Cultural Diversity at the Knowlegde Society

The development of an Integrated Plan to incentivise and drive the stable and collaborative alliance between Art, Science, Innovation, Technology, Enterprise and Society with Governmental Institutions is a process that we will have to engage in if we are to take full advantage of the opportunities that are offered to those of us living in technologically advanced societies. This alliance requires the creation of a “European organisation” that can coordinate the different sectors and establish strategic initiatives to encourage creativity, innovation and digital culture. It will need to be driven by the Information and Knowledge Society and develop populations' involvement within an economy based on creative culture and innovation.

In 2006 we organised “ ART TECH MEDIA Encounters 06” in nine museums and art centres in order to encourage the exchange of ideas and collaboration between the various sectors. There were discussions on the influence, opportunities and transformations that new technology media are generating in all spheres of society both within Spain and throughout the world. Over a hundred speakers of the highest level took part in the debates tackling 18 overarching questions. During the course of the sessions it became clear that there was a need to create an organisation that would integrate, coordinate and strengthen collaboration and increase knowledge between the various sectors.

This question was widely debated at the “First International Conference ART TECH MEDIA” that we organised and directed in 2007 with the special support of the Ministry of Culture and more than 60 institutions and organisations at a national and international level. It was held at the Ministry of Culture, Instituto Cervantes and Casa de America in Madrid. The conference was opened by the then Minister of Culture, Carmen Calvo. During her speech, the Minister expressed that the government was willing to support this initiative since it would offer Spain the opportunity to participate actively in the revolution of the digital age through innovative proposals. In the presentations and debates that followed, there was clear support for such an initiative. The main aim would be to consolidate the Alliance between Art, Science, Innovation, Technology, Enterprise and Institutions in order to successfully construct a Society in which men and women are equal and free.

Following this, we developed a Strategic Plan for the Development of the Arts, Innovation and Digital Culture presented to institutions and international forums.

In 2008, we organised and directed the “International Forum ART TECH MEDIA Córdoba 08. Art, Science, Innovation, Technology, Enterprise and Society”. There was extensive debate at the forum about the Strategic Plan and a wide consensus on the need to articulate the necessary measures in order to set the plan into motion. Overall, nearly 200 people have participated in these events (with an even distribution of gender) from across the world, involving the collaboration of seventy institutions and organisations from Spain and abroad. For more information, see: www.artechmedia.net

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Social Networks, Intercultural and Citizens Participation in the Construction of Europe

Cultural activities as a public service – inclusive culture that encourages diversity and gender equality – and the committed and permanent support for the development of new technology media available to all society should be the driving force that shapes all policies, in the European Union, but also beyond, and should become our defining characteristic.

This cultural diversity, cemented over thousands of years, and our unequivocal support for the most progressive ideas for the future is the most precious asset that Spain and Europe possess. From this perspective, we can be pioneers in proposals for innovation and technological development for the good of all individuals, men and women, and a model for the world based on civic participation and responsibility as a guide for democratic interaction. By establishing mechanisms that really support different cultures, their transversal relationship and the new use of new media, we will be able to encourage solidarity, social cohesion and the participation of a population that is eager to take part in public life.

In order to achieve intercultural dialogue and the construction of a Europe for its people, we need to form collaborative relationships with all cultures, free of sexual, racial or economic discrimination, a global dialogue that leads to a meeting of civilisations. Art and new technologies make it possible to establish bridges for union and cooperation between Europeans, allowing us to communicate creatively for a greater and better mutual understanding and to build the foundations for the harmonious and productive construction of a Europe for all.

We would like to highlight the following:
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Promote and propose common organisational spaces and structures as meeting hubs and the constitution of cultural, artistic, scientific and technological networks.
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Create favourable conditions for mutual knowledge-sharing and the transfer and exchange of experiences and innovative projects that incentivise equality and social integration and the role of culture in cooperation for development.
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Proposals to encourage the European identity and civic participation in policy making. Information and Communication Technologies as a means for social inclusion.
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Spaces for civic society's participation in the intercultural global debate. Virtual communities and forums as part of alliances between cultures.
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Cultural diversity and gender equality as a source of creativity, innovation and wealth. European initiatives and projects in Art, Science, Innovation, Technology, Enterprise and Society:
“www.emc27.org”, "Europe in your eyes".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- International cultural cooperation in the EU. Social Agenda / Cultural Agenda.
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