After exploring the various understandings of the concept of international cultural relations in different geographical contexts, we now look at the relationship between diverse world regions and the dynamics that have emerged in recent years between and within the North and the South, the East and the West.

We round up with a series of recommendations based on contributors' professional practices, linked to cherishing and preserving local cultural expressions, promoting intercultural exchanges and mainstreaming cultural policies.

Speakers' bios, quotes and transcript: https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/cultural-relations-a-fairer-way-to-engage-between-continents/

Musical creation credits: Introduction and closing by Stéphane Lam; Nature by MaxKoMusic; Borrow the Happiness by Kabbalistic Village

The second episode of the Regenerating trust podcast mini-series, focusing on youth and culture, features Nicky Alonga, a trailblazer in the fields of art and education in Rwanda. Nicky is a visionary entrepreneur in the creative sector who established a publishing house in Rwanda - Imagine We Rwanda - specialising in children's books with narratives from Rwanda and Africa.

In her interview with our research collaborator Elise Cuny, Nicky shares her insights from participating in the Global Cultural Relations Programme (GCRP), a two-week training funded by the EU and organised by the Cultural Relations Platform. She participated in the programme's second edition held in Istanbul. The programme brought together youth from around the world to brainstorm on the future of the cultural sector, considering both local perspectives and global challenges such as equity in international cultural relations.

Tune in to the episode to learn more about Nicky's experience and the reflections arising from this international programme.

Bio, sources of inspiration, and transcript on our website: https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/youth-mobility-to-end-racism/

Musical creation credits: Stéphane Lam

International Cultural Relations (ICR) theory and practices are usually framed from a Western perspective that conditiones their design and interpretation. There is a need for a more inclusive ICR framework, founded on open dialogue and attentive listening, embracing diversity of voices and perspectives, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders.

It is time to ask ourselves: is ICR a purely Western concept? Does it have the same meaning in non-Western European contexts? This podcast episode gives voice to experts in various geographical settings with a view to contributing to the recognition of the myriad of understandings, reasonings, and realities that coexist within the realm of International Cultural Relations.

Speakers' bios, references and transcript on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/cultural-relations-perspectives-beyond-the-european-union/

Musical creation credits: Introduction and closing by Stéphane Lam; Nature by MaxKoMusic; Borrow the Happiness by Kabbalistic Village

This first episode of the miniseries entitled Composing green presents agroforestry as part and parcel of cultural action and EU international cultural relations. Agroforestry is a set of cultural traditions, practices and know-how that mix trees and agriculture. It has been practiced for thousands of years but has been almost forgotten by industrialised societies. Yet, agroforestry has a very significant role to play in climate action, Green Deal-related objectives, biodiversity loss, etc.

The miniseries sheds light on the various facets of the climate-culture nexus. Listening to people from diverse fields that all work on cultural solutions to make behavioural change happen, the podcast contributes to awareness raising about climate action and best practice.

Methodology, references and transcript on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/agroforestry-and-worldviews/

Musical creation credits: Stéphane Lam

We take a look forward, pondering on good practices, existing needs and visions for the future. A future where Artificial Intelligence is part and parcel of society and international cultural relations. The speakers share their sincere hopes but also major fears, and offer a series of questions that we must answer as a global community in order to build together the AI-enabled interconnected, diverse and fair tomorrow.

The miniseries Composing trustworthiness explore the impact that Artificial Intelligence has on art, language, and culture more broadly, as well as on international relations. We examine the EU's aspiration for trust and excellence in AI, in light of new developments and growing debates around diversity, fairness, values and risks.

Methodology, references and transcript on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/artificial-intelligence-for-the-future-of-society/

Musical creation credits: Stéphane Lam

Turkey has had the status of candidate to the EU for several decades – this has allowed bilateral relations to develop, including in the cultural field.

Although in the last twenty years relations have become more tense and complicated (e.g. management of migration flows, political dialogue on Human Rights), this has not prevented cultural professionals from continuing their cooperation work.  The episode provides a rich set of lessons learnt and good practice in cultural projects management for all those interested in Turkey, the EU and international cultural relations.

The podcast is recorded in the context of Recep Tayip Erdogan’s victory at the last elections in May 2023, which has fanned fears that anti-Western and anti-European rhetorics will flourish and that actions will be taken against pro-Western movements and minority groups in Turkey, in particular the LGBTIQ+ community. The speakers reflect on the potential of EU-Turkey cultural relations and the main parameters to strengthen them in the future. Find speakers' bios, sources of inspiration and references, and a transcript of the episode on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/eu-turkey-cultural-relations-what-next

Musical creation credits: Stéphane Lam

Dive deep into our core topic: the impact of Artificial Intelligence on International Cultural Relations, and the way this disruptive technology drives or impedes relations with partners around the globe. 

The miniseries Composing trustworthiness explore the impact that Artificial Intelligence has on art, language, and culture more broadly, as well as on international relations. We examine the EU's aspiration for trust and excellence in AI, in light of new developments and growing debates around diversity, fairness, values and risks. 

Methodology, references and transcript on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/artificial-intelligence-in-international-cultural-relationsMusical creation credits: Stéphane Lam

In our miniseries (Re)generating trust, we tackle the not-so-obvious link between youth and culture. Why is it important to give youth a space in the cultural sector? How can the EU institutions and member states do it?

Youth is presented in these episodes as advocate for culture and creative skills, able to regenerate societies and trust in institutions. This series is a platform for young professionals from the cultural sector and European initiatives who support them to expose their work and express their recommendations. 

In this first episode, we hear inspirational examples of artistic and cultural collaboration between Europe and Rwanda and learn how European cultural centres can act as bridges.

Speakers' bios, sources of inspiration, and transcript on our website > https://www.culturesolutions.eu/podcast/creating-bridges-for-youth-in-culture/

Musical creation credits: Introduction and closing by Stéphane Lam; Mana y’i Rwanda (Intro) by Kaya Byinshii – Ukwiyuburura (2022)