European Cultural Parliament, 6th session, Sibiu, Romania
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Sibiu declaration
Europe is a cultural
project
Europe is a space of shared values
intercultural dialogue is an
essential tool
common space for culture
communicating the idea of
Europe
ECP research programme on culture
We as individual educators, artists and cultural animators assembled in the
European Cultural Parliament share responsibility for the future of Europe, must
make sure that the idea of Europe that we project – among ourselves and among
others living outside Europe – should be that of a promoter of peace, based on
the ideas of justice, equality and freedom.
Europe is a cultural project
Europe’s identity is characterized by a rich diversity of cultures
Culture is gaining a new strategic significance for the development of
vibrant and inclusive communities in search of shared European aims and
ideas
Culture provides a domain with new opportunities actively inspiring social,
political and sustainable economic development
Culture stimulates all citizens and in particular young people to take part
in the ongoing development of the European idea
A cultural perspective should be integrated into the decision making
processes in public bodies throughout Europe
Europe is a space of shared values
An intercultural dialogue does not threaten the common underlying values:
human rights
democracy
rule of law
freedom of
religion
freedom of political and creative expression
equal rights for
women and men
freedom of sexual orientation
peaceful solution of
conflicts
prohibition of the death penalty
A secular state is the best way to guarantee and safeguard these
freedoms
Intercultural dialogue is an essential tool
Intercultural dialogue is characterized by specific qualities
it acknowledges ‘the other’ as a source of inspiration and allows us to
recognize that we, too, are ‘the other’
it is essential for cultivating diversity and has the potential to bypass the
dichotomy between assimilation and multiculturalism
as history conditions identities, mentalities and culture a true dialogue
requires an appreciation of the history, customs, traditions and possible
futures of oneself and the other
it affords opportunities for personal and social growth
it allows us to widen circles of solidarity at the local, regional, national,
European and global levels
Common space for culture
An intercultural dialogue flourishes in a ‘common space’
a ‘common space’ is characterised by genuine dialogue and requires
participants to abandon any notion of cultural superiority
a ‘common space’ would take us beyond existing cultural practice and allow
for a new quality of dialogue
a ‘common space’
aggregates behaviours and shapes communities of
allegiance
allows for both expression and reflection on critical issues
creates transformation beyond tolerance and acceptance
a ‘common space’ grants human beings’ creative space free from violence.
More than any other group in any society children deserve and are in need of
such space.
Communicating the idea of Europe
The process of intercultural dialogue is simultaneously shaping and
communicating the ideas of Europe
intercultural dialogue allows us to restate the implications of the basic
values we aspire to
culture should stimulate all citizens and especially young Europeans to act
as ambassadors for cultural transfer
intercultural dialogue may touch the hearts of individual Europeans,
strengthen the identity of groups,
develop the richness nations
and
stimulate a sense of Europe
ECP research programme on culture
The ECP recognize that the new role of culture requires research to be
developed further.
Therefore one of the strategic goals of the ECP is the promotion of
sustainable research on creativity and culture.
Currently the following activities are taking place
- The ECP research group on the strategic use of culture
- NUROPE, the nomadic university on art, philosophy and enterprise
- EUSTORY, History Network for Young Europeans
- Public Space, research into public space as a catalyst for change
- ArtConstitution, creating a ‘constitution’ of invited artworks
- AsTide, art for social transformation and intercultural dialogue in Europe
networks
The ECP will share the results of these programmes with the Council of
Europe, members of the European Parliament and other cultural and political
institutions