London debates the Virtues of European Public Diplomacy in 21st century Cultural Diplomacy
The EUNIC cluster in UK London, in cooperation with the University of Westminster, organised a two part exploration of cultural diplomacy. The first day was for members of the London cluster and was based around a research questionnaire prepared by Abdel Ilah Bennis (University of Westminster). It drew out some surprising information about cultural institutes which were debated and reviewed by cluster members.
The second day was a public conference attended by over 100. Horia-Roman Patapievici gave the opening keynote speech and was followed by a round table of practitioners and theorists including Sir Bob Scott (chair of the European Capitals of Culture selection panel) , Alison Crabb from the European Commission, Iwona Blazwick of the Whitechapel Gallery, Ruth Mackenzie the artistic director of the Cultural Olympiad 2012, Mark Robson of the British Council, and professor Bennis.
The second round table was led off by Simon Anholt who emphasised the difference between brand and branding (and then between brand identity and brand image), John Holden formerly of Demos think tank, Martin Hope of the British Council and head of the EUNIC cluster in Brussels and Anne-Marie Croess of the Flemish Department of Culture.
More on this outstanding debate will follow.
