DUSHANBE, November 20, 2009, Asia-Plus — Dushanbe will host a regional forum entitled “Central Asian Cultural Space: Unity in Diversity” on November 28-29, according to press release issued by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
What are the nature and present conditions of establishing a cultural dialogue and spiritual values sharing between Central Asian countries in the process of globalization? How can we define identity (ethnic, national, cultural, regional), integration, unity and diversity? What are the potentials for development and strengthening of the inter-cultural dialogue in Central Asia? Do mechanisms of promoting regional cooperation exist, and what is the role of culture and art in consolidating social solidarity? Are there state-of-the-art models of promoting collaboration among art figures?
These questions are going to be answered by participants of the two-day forum that will be held in the Tajik capital in frames of the SDC Regional Art and Culture Program.
The Forum will bring together art critics, historians, art managers, social anthropologists, culture critics, students, young scholars, artists, representatives of public and non-governmental organizations, as well as journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The overall purpose for conducting this forum lies in disclosing contemporary trends in art and culture of the Region, and defining their influence on perception of identity. In the era of globalization the idea of integration of the Central Asian region through expansion of the once common cultural space is as relevant as never before. For Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan inhabited by various ethnic groups the issue of cultural diversity and regional cultural unity is of particular importance. And participants of the Forum will attempt to give a definition to the contemporary understanding of identity and diversity, and disclose mechanisms of promoting cooperation in the sphere of art and culture in Central Asia.
Recommendations and findings that will be made in the process of discussions by the participants, as well as proceedings of the conference will then be published and distributed among relevant public organizations, art and academic institutions, creative unions, donors, and a wide circle of stakeholders, which will contribute to the formulation of public opinions and more efficient activities in the sphere of art and culture in Central Asia. Ultimately this will lead to a common understanding of tasks related to the regional unity, social solidarity and harmonized co-existence.
The program of the Forum includes thematic presentations and demonstration of results and findings of surveys conducted in the participating countries, thematic group discussions, round tables, cultural windows that will present projects reflecting the topics of the Forum, and communication between participants.
In parallel, an exhibition of actual (contemporary) art “Unity in Diversity” will be held. Works by artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will be out o display in the exhibition.
