Opening Speech by Spyros Mercouris 2005

given at the first International Symposium of Cultural Capitals

– 21 years of Cultural Capitals of Europe

held in the Zappion Megaron, Athens 14.10.2005

Twenty years of Cultural Capitals of Europe, twenty years since Melina Mercouri as Minister of Culture of Greece had initiated to the Ministers of Culture of the European Union the proposal to nominate every year one city of Europe as Cultural Capital. The proposition was unanimously accepted and Athens was nominated as the First Cultural Capital of Europe in 1985.

Greece had the inspiration and the initiative to propose a cultural event – an essential bond between the states of Europe that would contribute and to further the political unification of Europe.

Over the years this cultural event has become an institution.

Each city shows its cultural heritage, its traditions, its physiognomy and its contemporary creation.

It is not a festival. It is a meeting place of reflection, exchange of ideas, communication and dialog between intellectuals, artists and scientists who with their work promote the European thought. It is a tool which makes citizens participate, feel and define new relationships with the aim to give shape to the European identity.

The institution is not only what each city is doing when they are Cultural Capitals but especially what they offer altogether to European culture.

In 1992, in Madrid a Network of Cultural Capitals was constituted by the coordinators and organizers of Cultural Capitals of Europe. The aim of the network is through the experience of its members to support each cultural capital and to organize European and international programs.

The dynamism of the institution of cultural capital cities goes beyond the borders of Europe.

Regions, states, people all over the continents have imitated similar institutions. The Arab countries, in Africa and Asia. Canada. America. The region of Catalonia. The region of Volga in Russia. Three networks that have direct relationships with us participate in this symposium. Network of Women Artists of the Mediterranean. A sea of cultures and religions which contain also the three monotheistic religions. I believe that the contribution of this network to peace is to be admired for its courage.

The Network of Cities of Culture of Central Europe show us how through culture the doors open for tourism, commerce, development and mutual understanding not only of the Region of Central Europe, but also of the Region of the Balkan countries. It is an example of the productivity of culture. A European institution is becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

The Municipalities of the Attica region that participated in the program of Athens 1985 are contributing essentially to realization of our symposium.

We have achieved a lot, but we have not managed to convince of the centers of power in their negotiations and their decision making processes to take into consideration as much as they should the human being and the environment.

In today’s world the developed countries form a global village. Never in the history of mankind was contact so easy. Every country and every continent is engaged in a continuous communication process. However, it is very doubtful the way this communication is achieved that it promotes a reciprocal dialogue between people and cultures.

In our times there dominates the chase for money, cynicism, mistrust, fanaticism, racism, fear and insecurity, terrorism and war. We must react and believe in the power of culture.

……..

Our meeting here in Athens at the Zappion Megaron, in this hall where Athens nominated first Cultural Capital of Europe, has a special importance.

It is a milestone. When starting the frame is different. The scale is different. People for the Arts of international niveau work every day for the dissemination of culture.

…..

Our work is difficult. Culture is in any case generated by its power, creating its own momentum. Here lies its perennial strength. Culture has cycles of germination and renewal. It now appears that its power starts to grow again. I believe that it is the moment that the networks of culture shall unite their forces and work together for the promotion of this noble idea.

The moment must not be lost. We have to ensure continuity. We must go further and organize the network of the networks of Cultural Capitals.

On Sunday the 16^th of October in the morning all of those who are here, speakers, international personalities and representatives of Cities and Networks will go to Pnyx to declare our faith in culture.

A woman, Melina as Minister of Culture has started this institution.

Another woman, Dora, mayor of Athens contributes essentially and participates with dynamism in its evolution.

Spyros Mercouris

Honorary Chairman of the Network of Cultural Capitals and Months of Europe

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Opening Speech by Spyros Mercouris 2005