The Cultural Factor: Regional Development & European Relations
The policy of the European Union is that Culture and Heritage shall be considered a thread in ALL areas of social, political, economic and security development. The European project is essentially a cultural project, requiring intercultural skills and shared experiences. The unique identities of the nations/regions in Europe are the basis for future cooperation. Both the Black Sea and the North Seas regions have important roles to play in the future, both in relation to the EU and globally. Only through sustainable exchange can we create the foundation for a peaceful and democratic region. The experiences of cities, artists and operators from other seacoast regions can be useful in this development.
The SEAS Platform was formed exactly for these reasons. It is a growing coalition of organizers, producers and arts institutions, intending to animate and influence the spirit of re-generation in the target regions, in partnership with Ministries of Culture, foundations, private corporations and universities.
SEAS since 2003
SEAS has been an inspiring and demanding adventure since 2003. It has grown into a platform for exchange, including seminars, research travels, co-productions and arts events throughout Europe, especially in harbour cities. SEAS is also a possibility, still to be realized.
We imagine that Art can change a City. We imagine that artists can be essential partners in urban re-invention, especially necessary in post-industrial harbour cities. We imagine that city planners and cultural operators have much in common. We imagine that Public Space is an essential condition for democratic participation. And artists/architects must participate.
Other factors dominate access to space for arts, exchange, ideas and recreation. The privatization of our cityscape is one of the greatest threats. The Arts might inspire courage - in citizens, politicians and civil servants - to resist the temptation to sacrifice our cities for shortsighted economic gains. The Arts might increase a sense of shared responsibility.
SEAS//Baltikum-Adriatico (2003-2005) brought together artists, built co-productions, and released creative energy in two waves of events around the Adriatic and Baltic Seas.
Starting in 2006, we turned our sights towards other shores – Black/North SEAS. A platform of cultural NGO's and artists associations has evolved and now engages Partners, Sponsors and Artists from over 15 EU or neighbour countries.
The changes taking place in the Outer Seas of Europe demand an appropriate artistic response.
The Cultural Factor: Regional Development & European Relations
The policy of the European Union is that Culture and Heritage shall be considered a thread in ALL areas of social, political, economic and security development. The European project is essentially a cultural project, requiring intercultural skills and shared experiences. The unique identities of the nations/regions in Europe are the basis for future cooperation. Both the Black Sea and the North Seas regions have important roles to play in the future, both in relation to the EU and globally. Only through sustainable exchange can we create the foundation for a peaceful and democratic region. The experiences of cities, artists and operators from other seacoast regions can be useful in this development.
The SEAS Platform was formed exactly for these reasons. It is a growing coalition of organizers, producers and arts institutions, intending to animate and influence the spirit of re-generation in the target regions, in partnership with Ministries of Culture, foundations, private corporations and universities.
SEAS since 2003
SEAS has been an inspiring and demanding adventure since 2003. It has grown into a platform for exchange, including seminars, research travels, co-productions and arts events throughout Europe, especially in harbour cities. SEAS is also a possibility, still to be realized.
We imagine that Art can change a City. We imagine that artists can be essential partners in urban re-invention, especially necessary in post-industrial harbour cities. We imagine that city planners and cultural operators have much in common. We imagine that Public Space is an essential condition for democratic participation. And artists/architects must participate.
Other factors dominate access to space for arts, exchange, ideas and recreation. The privatization of our cityscape is one of the greatest threats. The Arts might inspire courage - in citizens, politicians and civil servants - to resist the temptation to sacrifice our cities for shortsighted economic gains. The Arts might increase a sense of shared responsibility.
SEAS//Baltikum-Adriatico (2003-2005) brought together artists, built co-productions, and released creative energy in two waves of events around the Adriatic and Baltic Seas.
Starting in 2006, we turned our sights towards other shores – Black/North SEAS. A platform of cultural NGO's and artists associations has evolved and now engages Partners, Sponsors and Artists from over 15 EU or neighbour countries. The changes taking place in the Outer Seas of Europe demand an appropriate artistic response.
Co-production
June 2007 – May 2008 Many proposals for artworks that emerged from the DATES process will be finally co-produced starting from May 2007 and onwards. Each will be the result of a collaboration between SEAS and one or more producers/artist groups. The production time will depend on the artists.
Productions completed in 2008, will be presented nationally to test in front of local audiences.
Distribution
May 2008 – September 2010
Two long seasons of international distribution (2008 & 2009) will follow, with SEAS events in port cities around the Black Sea and the North Sea. Cities to host the presentations are still to be confirmed. We will follow up in 2010 with new port cities that join the project along the way.
Black/North SEAS - ODESSA GATHERING APRIL 2007
a short film by Gilles Cloudert, Apres Video
Ukraine 25-29 april 2007 (10')
This short film made one year before the SEAS project returned to Odessa for the World Launch gives a behind the scenes glimpse of the artists' presenting their initial concepts for the productions to Intercult and to each other for the first time.
Other factors dominate access to space for arts, exchange, ideas and recreation. The privatization of our cityscape is one of the greatest threats. The Arts might inspire courage - in citizens, politicians and civil servants - to resist the temptation to sacrifice our cities for shortsighted economic gains. The Arts might increase a sense of shared responsibility.
SEAS//Baltikum-Adriatico (2003-2005) brought together artists, built co-productions, and released creative energy in two waves of events around the Adriatic and Baltic Seas.