News

ENCATC to launch two of its 2018 events in New York City

ENCATC to launch two of its 2018 events in New York City

The speed and scale of urbanisation in the world is unprecedented. Thus it is not surprising that the rise of city diplomacy is challenging the monopoly of the state in diplomacy. Increasingly, cities, on their own merits, as well as building on networked arrangements, are an important actor in international relations. The cultural dimension of their activity is complex comprising interconnected economic, social, political and environmental strands.

The 2018 edition of the ENCATC International Study Tour and of the ENCATC Academy in Cultural Relations and Diplomacy: The Rising Role of Cities will explore - and provide with concrete case studies through the onsite visits -   the complexity of the cultural dimension of city diplomacy. Taking place in New York City from 12-16 February, one of the most iconic cities in world, our 2018 programme will offer insights and experiences in the following areas: understanding the historical background and the contemporary issues faced by cities in international cultural relations; exploring the role of cultural leadership linking the local and the global; grasping the diversity of roles arts/cultural organisations can have in relation to state diplomacy and local cultural engagement; experiencing the links between international, state and local actors operating in cultural relations and diplomacy; witnessing how cities, culture and conflict can link; and envisaging how culture must be at the heart of sustainable urban development.

Today, ENCATC announces the first speakers who will share their insight and expertise: Sandra Lang, Clinical Associate Professor of Art and Art Education and Director of the Visual Arts Administration M.A. Program at New York University; Carla Figueira, Director of the MA in Cultural Policy, Relations and Diplomacy and of the MA in Tourism and Cultural Policy at the Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Goldsmiths, University of London; Gerald Lidstone, Director of the Institute for Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London; and Richard Maloney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Performing Arts Administration graduate program at New York University. Learn more about the speakers here. 

Both events are designed for academics, researchers, cultural managers, practitioners, artists, policy makers, students and the wider public interested in gaining unique access to New York City’s cultural institutions, knowledge on the rising role of cities in culture and diplomacy, expertise of cultural and community leaders, and new contacts to expand professional networks.

Previous editions of the International Study Tour have won praise from participants: 

"The Study Tour is a very eye opening experience, and it can help us understand other culture and be more a global citizen." - Basemah Alhobishy from Vancouver Island University,  participant to the ENCATC Study Tour in the Emirates (2017)

"The ENCATC Study Tour was a non-traditional meeting in a very interesting region. The people of the organization did an excellent job. The professionals in charge of sharing the academic experiences were very well chosen. The program was developed as planned.. The participating group had opportunities for effective interrelationship. I believe that the expected objectives were achieved, but above all I praise the methodology in situ." Maria Jenkins from FECERED, participant to the ENCATC Study Tour in the Emirates (2017)

"I think the ENCATC Study Tour is a good way to connect with others in the world to become connected by globalisation. I felt I learned a lot and it was a great opportunity." - Brittany Ross, Boston University, participant to the ENCATC Study Tour in Boston (2016)

The Academy has also received positive feedback from participants: 

"Very informative, inspiring and provides a solid basis for research about the topics discussed."

"The networking is a great plus of the academy, to being able to listen the points of view of people from various origins in the same room is the best asset of academies like these."

"The ENCATC Academy is a unique opportunity to acquire and share knowledge and to create/develop networks. It gives us the opportunity to be in contact not only with policy makers, cultural managers or researchers, but with the important knowledge and know-how that is behind all them." 

"Top quality organization, large scope of content, it caters for all types of culture professionals. Thank you, ENCATC, I really enjoyed the academy."

>>> Registration is open for both events. ENCATC members and members of AAAE can benefit from special rates as will new members who join the network

The 7th International Study Tour and the 7th Academy on Culture in External Relations are designed and implemented in close cooperation with  our members, the New York University and Goldsmiths, University of London. The 2018 edition of the Study Tour can also count on the partnership with the Association of Arts Administration Educators. 

Back to all news