Further information: <http://www.goethe.de/gr/lon/berlin/index.htm>.
________________________________________________________
BERLIN-LONDON 2002
A CREATIVE CAPITAL ADVENTURE
A thematic approach by the British Council and the Goethe-Institut Inter
Nationes
In an era of global media culture and international cultural exchange, national
borders are losing relevance. Categories of citizenship and local forms of
identity have become increasingly mobile, nomadic and hybrid. In this
climate the city needs to be seen as distinct from the nation, its cultural
diversity presented with the strength it deserves. Cities are becoming the
centres of changes in politics, culture, commerce and urban life. Local
culture and international exchange have to be set in relation to politics and
the economies of a globalised world.
Artists and creative entrepreneurs are increasingly coming together to
convince decision makers in politics and business that culture and the arts
are a spiritual and educational necessity for a healthy community, a driving
motor for creativity and an asset for tourism and business. Globalisation of
the economy and developments in communications technology are having a
profound impact on the distribution, consumption and production of culture.
They are making global networking easier and creating a virtual and globally
accessible space for artists to work in. The cultural infrastructure of the cities
has to be able to respond and build on these new opportunities.
At the same time, international cultural exchange becomes more important,
the need to encourage and enable artists to make the most of opportunities
abroad more urgent, the goal to assist and develop sustainable practitioner
based networks imperative.
BERLIN-LONDON will run all through 2002 to establish long lasting
connections between the creative communities of two capitals, Berlin and
London, to present a wide range of high quality cultural events, and to use
this venture as a focus for the delivery of new and surprising messages about
the two cities. It highlights also Berlin or London related events throughout
Germany and Britain.
|