Cultural Contact Point Slovenia / SCCA-Ljubljana organised the international conference on networking in the cultural sector, Re-network!.

The conference was opened with the introductory speeches by Barbara Kozelj, director-general of the Directorate for Art, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, and Marko Peljhan, ambassador of Intercultural Dialogue. Alenka Pirman, artist and founding member of the Domestic Research Society, moderated discussion with the representatives of EU & SEE cultural networks: Daphne Tepper (Culture Action Europe - EFAH), Pal Steigan (TEH), Vesna Milosavljevic (inSEEcp), Juan Carlos De Martin (COMMUNIA), Dragana Alfirevic (Balkan Dance Network).

Moreover, two keynote speakers presented their views on and experience in networking and free flow of information: Peter Inkei (Budapest Observatory) and Vuk Cosic (net artist).

During the conference, Lev Kreft, the head of Slovene ALF network (Anna Lindh Foundation), intervened and drew attention to administrative barriers, that are taken serious mainly by the organisations that had been established directly from the political reasons. He also pointed out that the network can not perform only as a formal body but has to include mechanisms of integration and that the motivation of the members to stimulate activities of the network are of great importance.

One of the conclusions of the conference was the remark that each individual network has its own definition and structure. Nevertheless, for a successful network the redefinition of its structure and function as well as the system of financial support from the local sources are necessary.

More about the conference: http://www.ccp.si/re-network/english/

(17. 6. 2008)