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Cayman delegates attend the 'Olympics of the Arts'
Friday, July 21, 2006
The Cayman Islands were well represented at the event by representatives of the CI Government and some of the Islands' key cultural organizations. Pictured (l-r) Martyn Bould and Patrick Broderick (CNCF);. Natalie Coleman (NGCI).
Among the keynote speakers was South African Judge and Peace activist Albie Sachs, pictured with his wife (far right), Hon Alden McLaughlin and Angela Martins.
The third World Summit on Arts and Culture held this year in Newcastle - Gateshead, England, brought together a record number of delegates from around the world. Gathering to discuss the role of culture in regeneration under the theme transforming places, transforming lives were over 500 constituents from 80 countries.
The Summit explored three broad types of regeneration through art and culture: physical regeneration and economic regeneration, covering issues concerning creative investment, artists' economies, cultural tourism and the impact of arts on local business, along with the wider social consequences of regeneration and its long-term effects on the identity and pride of the local communities. Each of these themes were well illustrated in the surrounding environment.
The Cayman Islands were represented at the event by the Hon Alden McLaughlin, Minister for Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture, his Ministry's Chief Officer Angela Martin, Martyn Bould and Patrick Broderick from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and Natalie Coleman, London Correspondent of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
During the welcome reception and cultural opening event at BALTIC centre for contemporary art, the Summit was officially opened by Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, who described it as the "Olympics of the cultural field".
Co-hosted by IFACCA, the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies, and Arts Council England, the event then spanned four days of presentations by world renowned speakers in the field of culture, and stimulating debate from delegates.
Newcastle - Gateshead, had been chosen to host this year's summit due to its exemplary achievements in creating partnerships between local government, cultural and economic development agencies, and in demonstrating how arts and culture can engage communities and transform the face of a post-industrial region.
Underlying this year's theme were additional updates on recent developments in international cultural policy and networking sessions. Daily lectures were interspersed with workshops that covered notions of cultural diversity in modern culture and public and private partnerships, among others.
"In addition to the wide scope of workshops and lectures, the opportunities to meet other delegates from around the world and to share experiences within the field both at a national and organizational level, has proven invaluable," said Ms Coleman.
The International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), is the first global network of national arts funding bodies. It aims to create an international resource and meeting ground for all those whose public responsibility it is to support excellence and diversity in artistic endeavour.
"The growing interest in cultural policies creates challenges for arts and cultural decision-makers - to do more, and to do better, often with the same resources," said, Chair of IFACCA and Director of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Education, Finland, speaking on behalf of the organisation Risto Ruohonen.
"This wider recognition tests artistic and cultural principles and demands the delicate balancing of many different objectives."
This balancing act featured prominently throughout discussions at the Summit.
Outside of the official timetable a series of evening events were held at Newcastle-Gateshead's prestigious new 'Sage' Theatre which boasts some of the best acoustics in the world.
Delegates were treated to an array of world music that represented a cross section of the countries involved in the Summit. Another highlight of the week included the closing event hosted by the Duchess of Northumberland at her home Alnwick Castle, itself a recent example of regeneration in a rural environment.
"The Summit was an enlightening experience and being amongst 500 delegates with a world wide experience of cultural and artistic talents provided a unique opportunity for us to learn, gain ideas and network so that appropriate knowledge can be passed on to all of those involved in the development of the Arts and Culture in Cayman," said Martyn Bould, Chairman of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
At the event's close Mark Robinson, Executive Director of Arts Council England, North East said, "As the Summit closes we reflect on the new contacts made, the conversations and debates shared, the projects dreamt up and the joint resolve to put the arts at the heart of regeneration. More than 500 people from over 80 countries have had a fantastic week in North East England and been inspired both by the region and by what they've learnt from each other. We are keen to offer help and support to the next host city in 2009."
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