May 30, 6:30 PM
Salle Montaigne, Institut français du Liban
International institutions working in the field of relief and political development usually come to a country going through conflict and difficult political transitions; then leave. Inversely, international cultural centers and institutes have very often a much longer presence on the ground. Their interaction with local artists, teachers and thinkers allow them to develop a different understanding of realities and a better informed viewpoint on the future of societies. The discussion will focus on the role of these institutions within the current changing times, amid a growing debate between supporters of universal values and proponents of cultural relativism.
Panel discussion
with Anne Grillo (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development – France), Eduardo López
Busquets (Casa Arabe – Spain) and Graham Sheffield (British Council
– UK). Moderated by Nora Joumblatt (Beiteddine International Festival –
Lebanon).