Overview

NOTE: This event has come and gone. This area of the web site will remain as an archive of the convening.

Our hosts for the June Congress (Gunther Broucke and his team at the Flemish Radio Orchestra and the Flemish Radio Choir housed in the renowned Flagey building in Brussels) are daring us to have a gloves-off, toe-to-toe discussion about two forces that seem to compete to influence our lives: Politics and Arts.

Brussels — "the Capital of Europe" — being the seat of different governments (city; Flanders, Flemish and French communities; country; European Union) and a true multicultural melting pot, qualifies uniquely for an in-depth discussion about the "Arts and/on the Political Agenda." 

The European Union describes Europe as a continent with many different traditions and languages, but also with shared values such as democracy, freedom and social justice. It articulates one of the primary challenges as follows:

"In the increasingly interdependent world of the 21st century, it is more necessary than ever for every European citizen to work together with people from other countries in a spirit of curiosity, openness and solidarity."

Some of the questions we will ask in Brussels are:

• What (if anything) does this have to do with the Arts?
• What role should we play (if at all) to foster this "spirit of curiosity, openness and solidarity?" 
• What is the true colour of arts and culture?  License to thrill or to kill?
• Should the Arts be on the Political agenda? 
• Should Politics be on the Arts' agenda?
• What about the 19^th century notion of "Arts for Arts' sake?" – with no ulterior agenda, no social or moral purpose?

Oscar Wilde wrote: ". . . the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries to supply the demand, he ceases to be an artist . . ."

We will debate these extremes with political and cultural leaders with the firm hope that we will return to our communities empowered with understanding and renewed purpose – and maybe with an agenda?

We will be joined by our colleagues from the European Festival Association (EFA) for a portion of the congress, which will no doubt add to our experience and interactions.

And all this will happen in vibrant, cosmopolitan Brussels where you can explore and mingle in picturesque medieval streets; lively squares; beautiful boulevards; impressive monuments; spacious parks; cosy cafés; fantastic restaurants; a buzzing  multi-cultural life; an overdose of chocolate and beer!

Cancellation Policy

• Registrations cancelled before April 2, 2007 will be refunded, subject to a $50 administration deduction.
• Registrations cancelled after April 2, 2007 (but before May 24, 2007) will be refunded 50%.
• Registrations cancelled after May 24, 2007 will not qualify for any refund.