CONFERENCE “EU STRATEGIC CHALLENGES IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION” 14 November 2008, Riga

2. CONFERENCE “EU STRATEGIC CHALLENGES IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION” 14 November 2008, Riga The Cultural Dimension of the Baltic Sea Region: Identity, Framework and Future Challenges Presentation by Dace Melbarde

3. The Baltic Sea Region : a fiction or unity in diversity?

4. Balticness: the deepening of the comprehension of common identity

5. Pre-conditions for enhancement of regional identity and a dialogue of cultures 1. the awareness of common history and joint efforts to safeguard its heritage, 2. well developed networks and platforms of cultural cooperation, both intergovernmental and non-governmental, 3. shared responsibility for the common destiny of the Baltic Sea and the people living on its shores based on principles of sustainability.

6. “Which borders are exclusive, which are inclusive?” Janis Kreslins “One of the most important borders in this region has been the one between the urban and rural regions. Still today, it is possible to move from one city of the Baltic Sea Region to another without the feeling of having transgressed borders” J.Kreslins

7. Even linguistic borders are important “Why we have chosen English as our language of communication here today, when this region has a tradition of semi-communication?”J.Kreslins “How do we incorporate the cultural experience of the past, now lost, into the one that we are creating today?” J.Kreslins

8. Cultural experience of the past creating present Expedition from the “Varangians to the Greeks”by the Viking sailboat “Aifur”

9. Cultural experience of the past creating present City league Hansa

10. Important structures of Baltic Sea region cultural cooperation • The Conference of Ministers for Culture of the Baltic Sea States • ARS BALTICA network • The Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage in the Baltic Sea States

11. Long-term objectives for intergovernmental cultural cooperation among the BSS • safeguarding cultural heritage, paying particular attention to the enhancement of accessibility to cultural heritage, especially for children and young people • promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and exchange • enhancing the impact of cultural sectors on the development of creative economy

12. ARS BALTICAhttp://www.ars-baltica.net/ a starting point for many well-known cultural initiatives and traditions in the region: the travelling Baltic photo triennials, Rauma Biennale Balticum, Port of Art, JazzBaltica, folkBALTICA and many others

13. Monitoring Group on Cultural Heritage in the Baltic Sea Stateshttp://www.baltic-heritage.net/ Main issues: • the underwater heritage of the Baltic Sea itself. • preventing illicit trade of cultural goods and “black archaeology” • the accessibility of cultural heritage • ties between cultural heritage and education sectors • developing cultural tourism • the digitalization of the heritage

14. International framework of Baltic Sea States culture cooperation • the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) • the White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue “Living Together As Equals in Dignity” (2008) • the future EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region • the Political Declaration and the Policy Framework Document of the Northern Dimension (2006) • the first meeting of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council on Culture and its Joint Statement (2007) • 2008 - the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue • 2009 - the European Year of Creativity and Innovation • the European Agenda for Culture (2007)

15. The European Agenda for Culture in the Globalising World Three common sets of objectives: • cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue • culture as a catalyst for creativity • culture as a key component in international relations

16. Culture and creativity: a driving force for future economic growth “Regional economic growth is powered by creative people, who prefer places that are diverse, tolerant and open to new ideas. Diversity increases the odds that a place will attract different types of creative people with different skill sets and ideas. Places with diverse mixes of creative people are more likely to generate new combinations.” Richard Florida, The Rise of the Creative Class, 2002, p 249.

17. Recent researches on creative economies and creative industries • Creative Economy Report 2008:The challenge of assessing the creative economy towards informed policy-making presented by UNCTAD in 2008 http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/ditc20082cer_en.pdf • Study on the Economy of Culture in Europe prepared for the European Commission in 2006 http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/sources_info/studies/economy_en.html

18. The major challenges of Baltic Sea States cooperation • how to motivate population to take an active part in cultural life and develop their creative talent and skills • how to integrate cultural and creative sectors into sustainable development of the region, avoiding the risks of the instrumentalisation of culture

19. Widening notion of culture Culture is not a kind of decorative element, which is added when society has satisfied its basic needs. Culture is a basic need and a value in itself.

20. Many thanks for your attention! Contact: Dace Melbārde e-mail: Dace.Melbarde@km.gov.lv Dace_Melbarde@inbox.lv