The 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion has set up a partnership with the Edinburg International Festival running from 13 August to 5 September. Paco Peña, a renowned flamenco dance company, will dedicate part of its show to the topic of poverty and social exclusion. In the performance “Quimeras” (Chimeras), Paco Peña brings to life the journey of migrants and refugees, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of their dreams, the reality of their lives, and their connection with the people on the other side of the frontiers that they cross. He uses the powerful storytelling of flamenco music and dance in an innovative, yet authentic, way. Flamenco is associated with the Romani people of Spain (Gitanos) since a number of famous flamenco artists are of this ethnicity. Four members of the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company are of Roma origin. The partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival is one of more than 100 event partnerships the European Year 2010 is undertaking in its fight against poverty and social exclusion. “We are very pleased to be involved with the Edinburgh International Festival and with Paco Peña, as the arts are an excellent way to alert people to issues of poverty and social exclusion” says Neil Mitchison, Head of the European Commission Office in Scotland. “The power of art to engage with a range of issues that present an everyday challenge to migrants and refugees is an important reason for the intrinsic necessity of culture to our lives and the health of our community.” Paco Peña believes passionately in telling stories of social inclusion through the quintessentially Spanish genre of flamenco. “I am delighted that the premiere of Quimeras is part of the Edinburgh International Festival in 2010. An association through Quimeras with the European Union’s Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion I hope will further highlight the profoundly important ideas behind Paco’s work and their relevance to both local audiences and our international visitors,” says Jonathan Mills, Festival Director. In a recent interview in the framework of the 2010 flagship project of the European Festivals Association (EFA) “Open The Door”, Joanna Baker, Managing Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, spoke about the role of a festival in fostering social inclusion: “There are a lot of very different projects that we do for the festival. Specifically, we are trying to encourage a new audience and a wider audience to come into the city. The most important role is the contribution to social cohesion, cultural cohesion. Giving a sense of belonging, a sense of citizenship is what culture does in its widest expression. There is much documented evidence that tells you that having a wide breadth of cultural provision in a city, in an area, helps to ensure social cohesion and helps to reduce crime, poverty etc…” A joint press conference takes place on 1 September 2010 in Edinburgh in the presence of Jonathan Mills, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, Paco Peña, Neil Mitchison, Head of the EC office in Edinburgh, and June Burrough, national campaign ambassador of the European Year 2010. The “Quimeras” performance by Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company is staged on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd , Saturday 4th September 2010, at 8pm at The Edinburgh Playhouse. Related links and documents: • Press note by European Commission • Paco Peña at Edinburgh International Festival • Interview Joanna Baker, Managing Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, in the framework of “Open The Door” • “Open The Door” • European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion