Description
The Roma live in the Czech Republic in the position of an ethnic minority and their culture is not presented in a volume comparable with the presentation of Czech culture, not even in the public media, such as Czech TV or Czech radio broadcasting. Presentation of Roma art remains primarily a matter of live performances, organized by several NGOs. The main objective of the project is to introduce the richness of Roma culture in music and dance to the public through the organization of a music festival. In cooperation with partner from Norway also the culture of other ethnic groups will be presented. This general objective of the project is consistent with the programme outcome "Contemporary art and culture presented and reaching a broader audience". This is expected to be achieved via a 4-day-long international music festival which will present mainly professional Roma music groups from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Norway and Iceland, together with a rich accompanying programme. Specifically, these shall be implemented through lectures, seminars and workshops which will introduce Roma culture in the context of the Czech and European culture. It is assumed that a total of 2,000 people will participate from the target group of general public. In addition, the general public will become familiar with aspects of life in the Roma community through a varied accompanying programme. The role of donor partner - Stella Polaris - will be mainly providing art consulting to Roma ensembles, experience exchange in introducing traditional art to modern audiences and also the participation in the main and accompanying programme of the festival. This cooperation will lead to the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the Norwegian partner and the applicant in the field of culture.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to acquaint the public with the richness of Roma culture and create a common space for meetings of the Roma minority and the majority society. This objective was fulfilled through the main events - the International Roma Music Festival that took place in August 2015. During this festival, Roma Culture was presented not only through music and dance, but also through series of lectures on Roma history, family and current issues. Visitors were actively involved in discussions and individual workshops and seminars. Thanks to festival, different cultures, Roma and non-Roma visitors from different countries connected together. Single activities deepened the public awareness of Roma culture and thereby they contributed to mutual tolerance between Roma and the majority society. The accompanying programs included also several workshops focusing on other ethnic groups and active involment of the public. This participation lead to the close connection between the artists and the audience of which the representatives became familiar with the various specifics of Roma music and dance, with typical instruments or the historical development.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian project partner (Stella Polaris Opplevelser AS - the norwegian theater group) was actively involved in the sub-workshops of the festival and prepared the performance "Celebration of life" which opened the main programme of the festival. The partner also organized a 4-day workshop for general public. All listed activities lead to the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the Norwegian partner and the final beneficiary. Partner provided consultations to Roma ensembles from the Czech Republic and Slovakia and to the project team (making programme with regard to traditional and modern art). Exchange of experiences with different cultural traditions were mutual and both sides benefited from participation in this project.