http://culture-asef.org/english/txt/2004/culture_europe_international/editorial
(Published: October 2004, print version)
Editorial
Culture Europe International, Issue 43
By François Roche
In a context which has become known as that of "globalisation", relations between Europe and Asia could seem to have been irreparably damaged by the evolution of cultural industries. The temptation to turn a blind eye to the notion of identity or the seduction of bland and simplistic international production - which we are quick to brand "the American model" - will eventually shroud us all in irremediable darkness. This is a pessimistic attitude that we do not share. Indeed, there are countless signs testifying to the fact that the world is fortunately not so simple, and that the desire to share is peculiar to those who construct and consolidate cultures, with artists taking centre stage. Europeans recently noticed that they are not alone in their desire to defend cultural diversity, suddenly finding themselves backed by a large number of Asian countries in their support for the draft agreement at UNESCO. Asians realised that Europeans shared their desire to preserve their extremely rich cultures and to reinforce their politic action in the interest of all parties concerned. Now, what is called for is the need to move beyond a vague outlandish interest towards sustainable cooperation initiatives. To this end, the mobility of people, artists, heads of institutions and members of civil society, is an absolute necessity. More comprehensive training in the languages, history and simply in the civilisations of our two continents is just as vital. All this is worthwhile in itself, but it is also a means to stimulate economic exchange. I myself have always been fascinated by the former head of a Japanese company who would initiate international negotiations by launching into a longdiscussion of poetry. In Europe, the "sales team" felt uncomfortable, and sometimes incapable of taking his lead. This example is food for thought. Youth is often the harbinger of progress. This is the case of the Asia-Europe Foundation. Culture Europe International has worked in association with it in the past and followed its evolution (see Culture Europeissue #22, 1998). For this special issue dedicated to cultural relations between Europe and Asia, our journal revived this partnership, by proposing, among other things, taking a closer look at the new priorities which have been tackled with its partnership. You will see that the first reports are more than encouraging. Let yourself be inspired!
François Roche
Chief editor of Culture Europe International, France.
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