The 2nd International Cultural Academy, 22-26 October, 2015, is organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in Rhodes, Greece, in cooperation with the Municipality of Rhodes, the Institute of International Relations and the Centre of Eastern Studies for Culture and Communication.

The International Cultural Academy 2015 in Rhodes aims at bringing young researchers and diplomats, practitioners and students from interdisciplinary fields and settings to discuss and share theory, research and best practices and foster a dialogue on issues related to Public and Cultural Diplomacy.

Rhodes6This year the academic event will be focused on the crisis throughout the European Union and its potential to generate positive developments for the European future. This financial crisis has political aspects and certainly a cultural background as well as an impact on peoples’ life and their culture. During the Academy participants will cover a variety of topics and will develop their practical skills and knowledge through case studies. The Academy offers diverse subjects focused on the political, cultural and economic environment in the Mediterranean space and Europe. The participants will familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of cultural diplomacy and with its applications as well as the way of thought and function of European cultural institutes. This academy is targeted at people starting a PhD, researchers from academia, professionals from the cultural field and junior diplomats.

Ra4Since 2014 the Academy provides a setting for discussion between graduates, professionals and professors on the power of culture, communication, strategy and diplomacy. The international event is also expected to inform the participants about the means and tools available for sharing fresh and innovative ways to adapt to the new reality of the globalization era. Apart from providing an excellent forum for networking, the participants will have the chance to present their academic work (10-minute presentations) and to discuss their ideas and experiences with academics and professionals.

The International Academy offers information and concrete knowledge to the international and academic community on the current and future challenges and opportunities for peace building, cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue. At the end of the International Cultural Academy in Rhodes each participant will receive a signed certificate of attendance. The participants’ presentations will be published in an edited electronic publication of the institutions co-organizing the event.

The general themes that will be covered are the following:
• European Crisis as an Economic, Political and Cultural Question
• Cultural Heritage as a Diplomacy Tool
• Globalization and Cultural Diplomacy
• The role of Cultural Diplomacy in Grand Strategy
• Environmental Diplomacy Initiatives
The workshops will be held in the morning, while in the afternoon there will be practical exercises, group discussions, film viewing, etc.

Rhodes5Participants who wish to present their academic work must send an abstract (300 words) from one of the following fields:
Public Diplomacy / Cultural Heritage and International Law / People to People Diplomacy and Active Citizenship /Cultural Management, Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship / International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy / Cultural Policies and Institutions in the European Union /Cultural Heritage in Warfare / Religion and Cultural Diplomacy / Models of Cultural Diplomacy / The Private Sector and Cultural Diplomacy / From Cultural Imperialism to Cultural Relations / Non-state actors and modes of diplomacy /Culture and Tourism / Museums as Platforms / UNESCO and Peace Building / Visual Culture and Media Industry / Educational Exchanges and Innovation /International Relations through Music /European Capitals of Culture Initiatives / The Role of European Union Institutions of Culture / Sport Diplomacy and the Olympic Games / Media and Real-Time Diplomacy / Diaspora / Branding

At the International Cultural Academy 2015 in Rhodes
♦ We will examine the sectors in which cultural and public diplomacy can be exercised and investigate modes of implementation.
♦ We will think critically about the conditions and opportunities for and practical approaches to maximizing the impact of cultural diplomacy.
♦ Concepts and theories will be examined inter-disciplinarily and we will use case studies and the experience of seasoned practitioners to discuss strategies for cultural diplomacy.
As a result:
♦ We will conceptually and theoretically come to a better understanding of what Cultural Diplomacy is and why it has come to play such an important role in foreign policy.
♦ We will sharpen the competences, which are indispensable for dealing with such issues.
At the end of the Academy each participant will receive a signed certificate of attendance. The presentations will be published in an edited electronic publication of the Institutions co-organizing the event. View the program.

 

Ra2Rhodes Island
The island of Rhodes is located in the Dodecanese island chain at the crossroads of two major sea routes of the Mediterranean between the Aegean Sea and the coast of the Middle East. The history of Rhodes goes back 4000 years, and the island was at different times under the Byzantine, Frankish, Ottoman and Italian rule.

As a result, well-preserved monuments from different historical periods make the island particularly interesting for visitors. Some of the sights include the Old Town (constructed in 1309 AD by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem who had conquered Rhodes) and the Monte Smith Hill (marks the site of the Acropolis, one of the most important centers of worship, education and recreation in 3rd century BC, hosting a Hellenistic stadium and a gymnasium).

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The Old Town of Rhodes was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Rhodes is currently claiming the title of the European Capital of Culture for 2021. Moreover, the island offers a range of walking tours, such as the Valley of the Butterflies, the Seven Springs and the Rodini Park. In the fall, Rhodes hosts a number of saints festivals, which feature traditional dances and during which scents, colors and music flood the roads of Rhodes.

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Nowadays, Rhodes hosts over 2 million visitors every year and its permanent population is 115.000. Rhodes has established cooperation in the fields of commerce, tourism with other countries and cities such as Conches France, Palma de Majorca in Spain, Braunfel in Germany, Limassol in Cyprus, Visby (Gotland) in Sweden, Roses in Spain, Valetta in Malta, Yalta in Crimea, Avila in Spain, Pisa in Italy, Perth in Australia, the State of Rhode Island, USA, the city of Greece in the USA, and the city of Puebla in Mexico.

How to Apply
Applicants should be graduate or post graduate students working towards Masters or Ph.D. degrees, junior researchers, cultural managers and young diplomats. All applicants should be fluent in English.

Eligibility:
The International Academy invites students and researchers of social and political sciences, humanities and economics, young diplomats and cultural managers to participate by filling out the application form and sending a CV. Participants who wish to present their academic work must send an abstract (300 words) to the address: culture@hfc.gr

Fees:
The fees are 300 euro and cover:
• Accommodation at a hotel close to the city center of Rhodes (shared accommodation in a double occupancy room).
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Excursions, cultural, social and extra-curricular activities.
• Study material

Further Inquiries and application forms:

You can download the application form here, and the full brochure here.
For further inquiries please contact:
Ms. Mersilia Anastasiadou, Academic Coordinator International Academy’s Team culture@hfc.gr
Tel.: +30 2106776540 (ext. 305)
Application deadlines: Friday, 25 September 2015
Please submit the application electronically (culture@hfc.gr) by Friday September 25, 2015. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Decisions will be mailed out till Monday, September 28, 2015. Admitted foreign students will be provided with all necessary documentation in support of a visa application, if this is needed.