News

Acts of Cultural Citizenship: Festival d’Aix and partners release publication

12 September 2013

The Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, with partners RESEO (European Network for Opera and Dance Education) and AFO (Association Française des Orchestres), has issued Acts of Cultural Citizenship. Arising from strong engagement in the field of education and socio-cultural activities, this bilingual publication bears witness to innovative education and participative projects undertaken today by opera houses and festivals, music organisations and dance companies in France and throughout Europe.

Opening up, meeting and creating. These terms describe central aspects of education and creative learning policies implemented by a growing number of cultural organisations. These organisations have increasingly been taking their civic responsibilities seriously and encouraging access for audiences of all backgrounds, with special attention given to the most fragile and disadvantaged communities and citizens.

Acts of Cultural Citizenship highlights the diversity and vitality of education, outreach and artistic projects throughout Europe for and with young people, senior citizens, disadvantaged or socially excluded people and communities. In a series of articles, this publication explores the themes of artistic practice and creation for and by young people, engagement against social exclusion, evaluation of artistic and educational projects and intergenerational initiatives.

The publication is based upon the intense exchanges and discussions of the last four editions of the European Symposia Culture and Education. Since 2009, these meetings have been offering a large number of cultural stakeholders the opportunity to exchange on educational and socio-cultural practices. The angles of thought and perspectives developed during the Symposia are enriched and furthered by the contributions of cultural players engaged in education and outreach. The director of the London Symphony Orchestra Kathryn McDowell and choreographer Josette Baïz share lessons learnt from their long experience in the field, while philosopher Alain Kerlan and stage director Airan Berg passionately lay out their positions concerning cultural and artistic education and learning.

Furthermore, insights are provided into the work of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and London Symphony Orchestra with the Comorian community in Marseille, the ambitious Kaleidoscope project run by the Opéra de Lyon from 2006-2012, workshops organised by the Berliner Philharmoniker with prisoners on Wagner’s Ring, and programmes of the Opéra national de Lorraine with school children.

Made possible with the financial support of the European Union and the Total Foundation, this bilingual publication (English – French) is on sale for 16 € at the Boutique of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, and will be in the bookshops of the Presses Universitaires de Provence as of December 2013. It can also be ordered via the Boutique of the Festival d’Aix +33 4 42 17 34 97. More information on the Festival's website!