Summit on national cultural identity: does it exist anymore?

The stage is set for a cultural summit of international dimension when US Ambassador Rufus Gifford, British Ambassador Vivien Life and CEO of Aarhus 2017 Rebecca Matthews opens Aarhus Municipality’s event at Folkemødet – The People's Political Festival on Bornholm – on Thursday 11 June at 6 P.M.

With the theme 'Cultural Exchange in a Globalized World', Rufus Gifford, Vivien Life and Rebecca Matthews debate culture's special status in a globalized world.

For what happens to European culture, when the battle between the two major world economies Asia and the United States continues? Can we afford to be special? In France, the government has chosen to invest millions to secure their vision of the unique French culture and language. But is this kind of protectionism the right way to move forward in a modern globalized community?

"We have numerous examples of how Denmark, England, Europe and the US mutually enrich and inspire each other culturally. For instance, take a cult figure like Sarah Lund – she has opened the way to many British hearts. And architect Bjarke Ingels, who will be designing the new World Trade Center. We have plenty of examples of how something we see as a very special Danish or Nordic expression has a big place in the hearts of many on the other side of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean," says CEO of Aarhus 2017 Rebecca Matthews.

Together with moderator, Editor-in-chief from Kristeligt Dagblad Erik Bjerager, the three international profiles will share their visions and knowledge about how we retain and develop a national and European cultural identity in a globalized cyberspace.

"With European Capital of Culture Aarhus 2017, we have a high level of ambition when it comes to inviting the world art and artists to Aarhus. But European Capital of Culture is just as much about the need to open ourselves up to Europe and the world. We must open the gates and enter the great historical and cultural community we are part of as Europeans," says Rebecca Matthews.

The debate between Rufus Gifford, Vivien Life and Rebecca Matthews is part of a five-part event at the Fire Station’s Meeting Tent on Thursday, June 11 at 18 in Allinge, organized by Aarhus Municipality and Aarhus 2017. There is room for more than 100 guests, and the evening will have a number of interesting debates under the headline 'Rethink welfare'.

The People's Political Festival takes place from 11-14 June with over 750 organizers and 2600 events. It is open to all and guests are free to participate in all the debates.