Talk and Discussion

»The Role of Culture in Transatlantic Relations: Realities and Visions.«

David T. Killion, US Permanent  Representative to UNESCO, Paris
Marete Wester, Director of Arts Policy, Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
Tanja Dorn, Associate Director, IMG Artists, New York/Hannover


Moderation: Maja Ellmenreich, editor for chamber music, Deutschlandfunk

Music: Schumann Quartett, Cologne

While the arts are generally highly valued throughout Europe, it plays only a minor role in American political life. Washington has been posing an opposition towards cultural policy in the past. With the election of Barack Obama the chances for a change in perception and for potential action are much better, says David T. Killion, the US Permanent Representative to UNESCO. On December 9, 2010, he talked about the meaning attached to the arts, literature, music and dance in the United States today.In the following discussion it became clear which challenges have yet to be mastered.

Killion announced that the United States will contribute to the work of UNESCO on a greater level in the near future. To emphasize the new involvement and commitment, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will pay a visit to the UNESCO in the spring of 2011. This happens within the context of the lack of American involvement at the UNESCO for almost 20 years and its re-entry in 2003.

At the very top of the US‘ agenda is, according to David Killion, the foundation of an international arts museum in Amman, Jordan, and the conservation of the Hawaiian area of Papahanaznijzjajea, which was reintegrated into the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Furthermore, the US wants to attract more visitors, and advertise its culture and craftwork.

However, this is not to be understood as new form of culture imperialism, says Marete Wester, political referee of the influential lobby organization „Americans for the Arts“. David Killion sees his mission in the context of a multilateral promotion of the arts: the United States want to pay their part in stressing the importance of the UNESCO and help shape the organization’s leading role. Both affirmed that the promotion of the arts – unlike in Europe – does not come naturally. Tanja Dorn, Associate Director at IMG Artists, blamed the United States’ VISA policies. This makes if much harder for foreign artists to enter the United States for performances or exhibitions.

The discussion was moderated by Maja Ellmenreich, editor for chamber music with Deutschlandfunk. The supporting program was arranged by the Schumann quartet from Cologne. (da)
In cooperation with the German Commission for UNESCO.