Avrupa Kültür Derneg (European Cultural Association) is organising the "International Forum on Turkey-Europe Cultural Relations" in collaboration with and with in-kind contributions of the History Foundation of Turkey, Austrian Cultural Forum, British Council, French Cultural Institute, Goethe Institute, the Consulate General of the Netherlands, Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, French Embassy, René Seydoux Foundation, YATF (Young Arab Theatre Fund), CCP Germany, Relais Culture Europe, CSG The Event Company, Chameleon Events & PR, Gelis¸im Creative and many artists and cultural operators. The Forum will take place between 6th and 8th May 2005, in the historical Imperial Mint complex (History Foundation of Turkey) within Topkapž Palace. http://www.europist.net/forum_en

The forum's objective is to raise awareness of the important role of culture in Turkey-Europe relations. It further aims at influencing decision-makers to take concrete steps towards intensifying cooperation and exchange.

The international forum will consist of a conference, panel discussions, artistic events, receptions and parties and will thus facilitate networking and support stakeholders of the cultural sector in their efforts towards effective and fruitful dialogue between the peoples. It therefore serves as an open platform to welcome cultural stakeholders from Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The Forum's Programme is as follows:

6th May 2005

The political and social dimensions of Turkey-Europe cultural relations Contexts and Perceptions of Turkey-Europe Cultural Relations

7th May 2005

Tools and actions for improving Turkey-Europe cultural relations within the context of European Programmes. Tools and actions for improving Turkey-Europe cultural relations within the context of national foreign cultural agencies, NGOs, networks and artistic actions

8th May 2005

The effect of European immigrant policies on the artistic creation process The effect of European inter-cultural policies on the artistic creation process Conclusion party

Artistic Programme - sound and dance performances, installations and video projections: Aydžn Teker, Çžplak Ayaklar Kumpanyasž, Çig˜dem Borucu, Dilek Dervis¸og˜lu, Emre Koyuncuog˜lu, Esra Bezen Bilgin, I™pek Aksungur Duben, Laboratuar, Mustafa Kaplan, Nihal G. Koldas¸, Serhat Köksal (2/5BZ), T. Melih Görgün, Techne, Ziya Azazi, Zeynep Günsür and guest artists: Sharif Waked (Palestine), Lamia Joreige (Lebanon), Mimi Khalvati (UK-Iran).

For participation, online registration is required. Click http://www.europist.net/forum_en/?reg=1
Online Registration Form. Registration deadline is 30 April 2005

For more info on the Forum, please click http://www.europist.net/forum_en