Most cultural organisations – and the people who work in them – know what they do and how they do it. They rarely know why they do it, what the main purpose of their existence is. And yet, it is in the affirmation – or perception – of this purpose that people find reasons to relate to certain cultural organisations and to stand by them. It is this purpose that makes organisations relevant and important in people’s lives, as well as the values that guide their thinking, attitude and actions.
When the purpose is not defined – or when it is based on a perception, either of the organisation itself or of the public – this means that each person can project their own ideas and expectations regarding the organisation’s raison d’être. This calls into question its consistency, clarity and positioning, making it more fragile and subject to interference of various kinds, including partisan interference.
Defining and publicly stating the mission and values has always been an essential but neglected tool in the management of cultural organisations. In times of crisis – political, social, cultural – it becomes even more obvious, and urgent, to know who we are and defend why we do what we do.
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Programme
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Līva Kreislere, Cultural planning: artist-led urban transformation
(the lecture will be given in English)
10:30–11:00 a.m.
The mission and values of cultural organisations: an introduction
Maria Vlachou
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Let’s be more pirates! Can we?
With: Américo Baptista (Boom Festival), Inês Matos (Desmuro Publishing House), Raquel Sambade (ARiSCA Collective) and D. Maria II National Theatre (representative to be confirmed).
Moderation: António Brito Guterres
2:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Four unscripted pairs
Mariana Jones – Museu Nacional Resistência e Liberdade (Aida Rechena)
Laura Falésia – Maus Hábitos (Daniel Pires)
Joyce Sousa – Museu Municipal Santos Rocha (Manuela Silva)
Shahd Wadi – Representative of EGEAC workers’ group
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Can we remain true to our values?
6pm
Closing ceremony
See the full programme here.
