Die Kulturmittler:innen – Der ifa-Podcast zu Außenkulturpolitik

On 30 August 2021, US troops and their allies withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving the country under Taliban rule. In this episode of Die Kulturmittler:innen – Deep Dive we’re joined by Emran Feroz to explore the human rights situation in Afghanistan which is marked by a complex interplay of political instability, cultural practices, and restrictive policies. Women’s rights in particular have been massively restricted since the Taliban took over, with bans on education, employment, and public freedoms. Violence against minorities, suppression of free speech, and harsh laws further worsen the situation. Emran Feroz is journalist and book author, and regularly reports from and about Afghanistan for media such as Die Zeit, Al Jazeera, The New York Times or ifa’s online magazine Qantara.de. Emran Feroz’ articles on Qantara.de as well as a link to his new book “Vom Westen nichts Neues” can be found here: qantara.de/en/author/emran-feroz For all other information visit our website: culturalrelations.ifa.de To learn more about ifa: ifa.de If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

Today is International Human Rights Day! Human Rights are the fundamental freedoms and protections that belong to every person, ensuring dignity, equality, and safety. They include the right to life, freedom from torture, and protection against discrimination. Unfortunately, Human Rights cannot be taken for granted and are often violated, for instance through war crimes or crimes against humanity. This makes their protection a global priority. The International Criminal Court (ICC) works to hold perpetrators accountable and support victims. Its Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) provides reparations and assistance, helping survivors of atrocities rebuild their lives. Today’s guest is the TFV’s Executive Director Deborah Ruiz Verduzco. In this episode, we talk about what justice means, explore the role of the ICC and TFV in defending Human Rights, and discuss how ongoing global conflicts influence the field. All previous episodes of Die Kulturmittler:innen and more information about the ifa can be found on the website ifa.de. Do you have any topic requests, praise or criticism? You are welcome to send them to podcast@ifa.de. The ifa is also on Instagram and Linkedin.

Even today, colonial structures are still firmly anchored in cultural institutions and international relations. A decolonising perspective and critical approaches can contribute to changing these structures. The North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative (NACDI) advocates for equitable and inclusive cultural relations. The International Cultural Relations Research Alliance (ICRRA) is a network that brings together international researchers and practitioners to develop new approaches and perspectives. In this episode of Die Kulturmittler:innen – Deep Dive Sarah Smith and Lynda Jessup talk about the role of decolonisation in international cultural relations and cultural diplomacy. The episode offers exciting insights into the challenges and opportunities of decolonisation and the transformative power of art in international relations. More on NACDI can be found here: North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative – NACDI For more information on the ICRRA network click here: International Cultural Relations Research Alliance (ICRRA) – ifa For all other information visit our website: culturalrelations.ifa.de To learn more about ifa: ifa.de If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are two of the world’s most significant regional entities. In today’s episode, we explore the cultural cooperation between the two. Why was it so modest in the past and why is it crucial to enhance their cultural ties at the multilateral level? Interdisciplinary cultural historian and anthropologist Dr. David Ocón and Prof. Lluís Bonet, an expert on cultural economics, cultural policies and arts management, give insights into these and other questions – based on their recent study “Enhancing ASEAN-EU Relations through Cultural Cooperation: Realities and Unexplored Potential” published by ifa’s ‘Culture and Foreign Policy’ research programme. If you want to read the study by David Ocón and Prof. Lluís Bonet, click here For all other information visit our website: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/ To learn more about ifa, visit: https://www.ifa.de/en/ If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

In 2022, Jina Mahsa Amini died in police custody after having been arrested because her headscarf was too loose. A wave of protest began in Iran - the protest cry echoed through the cities: ‘Zan, zendegi, azadi.’ ‘Woman, life, freedom.’ Although the protests might have quieted down in the media, the precarious situation has not changed. What is the current situation in Iran, especially for women? Is there any hope for the people seeking freedom in Iran? And how does the Western world view the protests? Iranian-born Sanam Naraghi Anderlini answers these and other questions. She is founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN). Through ICAN she spearheads the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL) comprising independent women-led organizations active in 40 countries globally, preventing violence and promoting peace, rights and pluralism. Read more about the International Civil Society Action Network at https://icanpeacework.org. All previous episodes of Die Kulturmittler:innen and more information about the ifa Award can be found on the website of ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ifa.de. Do you have any topic requests, praise or criticism? You are welcome to send them to podcast@ifa.de. The ifa is also on Instagram and Linkedin.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a transformative impact on International Cultural Relations. On the other hand, International Cultural Relations affect AI development. Amidst growing geopolitical competition, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. How can we harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks? In this episode we delve into ethical, linguistic, creative, informational, and geopolitical issues with our guest, Octavio Kulesz. He discusses his new study, “Artificial Intelligence and International Cultural Relations: Challenges and Opportunities for Cross-Sector Collaboration,” published by ifa’s ‘Culture and Foreign Policy’ research programme. If you want to read Octavio Kulesz’ study, click here: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/research/results/ai-international-cultural-relations/ A summary of his research findings and online discussion can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_XczCMRBmA For all other information visit our website: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/ To learn more about ifa: https://www.ifa.de/en/ If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

The 60th Venice Biennale has been running since 20 April. It was curated by Adriano Pedrosa with the theme „Foreigners Everywhere“. One of the artists invited by Pedrosa for the main exhibition in Arsenale is Isaac Chong Wai. Born in Hong Kong and living in Berlin, Isaac Chong Wai combines performance, video, installation, painting and photography in his art. He deals with topics such as racism and homophobia as well as celebrating emotions. In this episode of Kulturmittler:innen, we talked to Isaac Chong Wai about his experiences as part of the Venice Biennale, his art and the connection between art and civil society. All previous episodes of Die Kulturmittler:innen and more information about the ifa Award can be found on the website of ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ifa.de. Do you have any topic requests, praise or criticism? You are welcome to send them to podcast@ifa.de. The ifa is also on Instagram and Linkedin.

Time and again, artists are forced to leave their home countries. They are fleeing restrictions on freedom of expression, censorship and threats to their livelihoods. Many find protection in Germany, a country that offers support programmes for artists at risk. But what needs should these programmes meet? How can we support artists sustainably and how can diaspora communities contribute with their expertise? In this episode of Die Kulturmittler:innen Deep Dive, Dr Lisa Bogerts and Serap Yılmaz-Dreger share their latest research findings from their study „Learning from the diaspora: Shaping new beginnings in art and culture sustainably and collaboratively“, which is published as part of the ifa research programme „Culture and Foreign Policy“. If you want to read the whole study, click here: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/forschen/ergebnisse/lernen-von-der-diaspora/ More on the Martin Roth-Initiative and its programmes for artists at risk can be found here: https://www.ifa.de/en/funding/martin-roth-initiative/ For all other information visit our website: www.culturalrelations.ifa.de/en To learn more about ifa: www.ifa.de/en/ If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

30 Jahre geballtes Fußballwissen – der renommierte Sportjournalist und Kommentator Béla Réthy diskutierte gemeinsam mit den ehemaligen Fußballprofis Maurizio Gaudino, Matthieu Delpierre und Krisztián Lisztes über ihre Erfahrungen mit Integration in internationalen Teams. Gaudino hat italienische Wurzeln, Delpierre stammt aus Frankreich und Lisztes ist ungarischer Herkunft. Béla Réthy hat auch ungarische Wurzeln. Während der Europameisterschaft sprachen sie in einer Podiumsdiskussion darüber, wie Integration durch Fußball funktionieren kann und fragen sich natürlich, wer dieses Jahr Europameister wird. Organisiert wurde die Veranstaltung von EUNIC, dem europäischen Netzwerk von Organisationen, die sich für kulturelle Beziehungen weltweit einsetzen. Die Folge wurde live am 2. Juli 2024 aufgezeichnet. Alle bisherigen Folgen von Die Kulturmittler:innen und weitere Informationen zum Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen finden Sie auf unserer Website. Haben Sie Themenwünsche, Lob oder Kritik? Diese können Sie gerne an podcast@ifa.de senden. Instagram und LinkedIn. Shownotes: EUNIC – EU National Institutes for Culture Kulturmittler:innen Deep Dive: Claus Leggewie on the FIFA Worldcup Qatar Publikation „Globales Spiel“ mit Texten von u.a. Umberto Eco, Reinhold Messner und Dave Eggers

2024 ist ein Superwahljahr. Über die Hälfte der Weltbevölkerung ist zur Stimmenabgabe aufgerufen. In Deutschland stehen die Europawahlen und zum Teil Landtags- und Kommunalwahlen an. Die letzten Jahre und Wahlen haben gezeigt, dass es verschiedene Mächte gibt, die versuchen, auf die Wählerschaft durch Desinformationskampagnen und Propaganda Einfluss zu nehmen. Wie solche Angriffe auf die Demokratie aussehen, welche Player dabei sehr aktiv sind und wie wir die Demokratie und Wahlen vor solchen Einflussnahmen schützen können, darüber redet Amira El Ahl mit Dr. Stefan Meister. Er ist Leiter des Zentrums für Ordnung und Governance in Osteuropa, Russland und Zentralasien der DGAP und war unter anderem mehrfach als Wahlbeobachter für die OSZE und die EU unterwegs. Alle bisherigen Folgen von Die Kulturmittler:innen und weitere Informationen zum Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen finden Sie auf unserer Website. Haben Sie Themenwünsche, Lob oder Kritik? Diese können Sie gerne an podcast@ifa.de senden. Instagram und LinkedIn.

„Kunst gibt nicht das Sichtbare wieder, sondern Kunst macht sichtbar“ – Paul Klee Sichtbarkeit in der Kunst ist ein Thema, das in den letzten Jahren an Fahrt aufgenommen hat. Es bilden sich immer mehr globale Plattformen, um Kunst aus aller Welt kuratieren und repräsentieren zu können. Diese Plattformen – sogenannte Biennalen – müssen allerdings auch in einen politischen Rahmen eingebettet werden. Doch welche Förderungen gibt es für internationalen Kunstaustausch? Welcher Kooperationen bedarf es für Biennalen? Und welche Chancen entwickeln sich dadurch? Melanie Vietmeier – Kuratorin am Münchner Lenbachhaus und Autorin der Studie „Biennalen als Seismograph – Geopolitische Faktoren, Förderstrategien und Potenziale internationaler Kollaboration“ – erzählt. Die ganze Studie „Biennalen als Seismograph“ von Melanie Vietmeier können Sie hier lesen: www.culturalrelations.ifa.de/forschen/ergebnisse/biennalen-als-seismograph/ Weitere Informationen zum Forum Kultur und Außenpolitik finden Sie hier: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/

Unrecognised states and ethnic minorities are often overlooked, even though people in power repeatedly emphasize the importance of listening to unrepresented groups and indigenous people. In this episode of “Die Kulturmittler:innen,” our host Amira El Ahl talks to Mercè Monje Cano, Secretary General of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO). She explains how important the voices of indigenous groups are and why unrepresented groups need to be given more attention, especially in the fight against climate change. Her organisation is working on changing this injustice by educating, campaigning and representing unrecognised states such as Tibet, indigenous peoples such as the Mapuche in Chile and minorities such as the Haratin in Mauritania. Read soon more about the topic of indigeneity in the new issue of KULTURAUSTAUSCH at www.kulturaustausch.de You can also order this and previous issues of the ifa magazine here. All episodes of “Die Kulturmittler:innen” and more information can be found on the website of ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ifa.de. Do you have any topic requests, praise or criticism? You are welcome to send them to podcast@ifa.de. The ifa is also on Instagram @ifa.de and LinkedIn.

In the wake of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, a multi-layered migration pattern has emerged. Armenia and Georgia, nestled in the heart of the South Caucasus, have become havens for Russian and Ukrainian migrants. The influx of these new players in the cultural scene has set off a seismic ripple across the region. Who are these cultural actors? What stories do they bring with them? How have their artistic foot-prints transformed the local cultural canvas? Tigran Amiryan, founder and president of the Cultural and Social Narratives Laboratory, joins us today. As a semiologist and contemporary culture researcher, he unravels the threads of transformational processes in Armenia and Georgia. More studies on the topic of ‘Relocation’ can be found under https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/forschen/forschungsergebnisse/.

Two years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. At 5 a.m., sirens were wailing across the country and explosions were heard everywhere. Since then, a group of over 30 NGOs has come together to document and collect the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during this war to bring them to court. In this episode „Die Kulturmittler:innen“ we talked to Nadia Volkova. The lawyer is the director of the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group and part of the Ukraine 5 AM Coalition. She explained the work of the coalition, the support from the civilian population and Germany’s responsibility towards Ukraine. The Ukraine 5 AM Coalition is honoured with the ifa Award this year. ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen recognises the contribution of individuals and institutions to foster transcultural relations through their social, socio-political or artistic work. All previous episodes of „Die Kulturmittler:innen“ and more information about the ifa Award can be found on the website of ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ifa.de. Do you have any topic requests, praise or criticism? You are welcome to send them to podcast@ifa.de. The ifa is also on Instagram @ifa.de and LinkedIn.

Verständnis und Vertrauen – diese Werte prägen den globalen Kulturaustausch und erscheinen in Zeiten von Krisen und Kriegen wichtiger denn je. Gitte Zschoch, Generalsekretärin des ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen spricht mit Host Amira El Ahl über aktuelle Chancen und Herausforderungen von internationaler Kulturarbeit, wie Gesprächsräume in zunehmend illiberalen Gesellschaften geschaffen werden können und wie “die Welt ein sichererer Ort wird”. Alle bisherigen Episoden von “Die Kulturmittler:innen” sind auf der Webseite des ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen zu finden. Themenwünsche, Lob und Kritik? Diese können gerne an podcast@ifa.de geschickt werden. Das ifa ist auch auf Instagram und LinkedIn.

In dieser Folge richten wir unseren Blick auf die Situation der Medien und die Pressefreiheit im Nahen Osten. Mit Host Amira El Ahl blickt Christopher Resch, Pressereferent für Reporter ohne Grenzen und ehemaliger freier Journalist auf die Lage in Westasien und Nordafrika, die Presse- und Medienfreiheit in der Region und auf die Rolle, die Medienhäuser und soziale Netzwerke dort einnehmen. Diese Folge wurde Ende November 2023 aufgezeichnet. Hintergrundinformationen und Beiträge aus der Region bietet das Portal www.qantara.de in arabischer, englischer und deutscher Sprache, das vom ifa in Kooperation mit der Deutschen Welle herausgegeben wird. Alle bisherigen Episoden von “Die Kulturmittler:innen” finden Sie auf der Webseite des ifa, dem Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen. Sie haben Themenwünsche, Lob und Kritik? Diese können gerne an podcast@ifa.de oder auf Instagram und LinkedIn geschickt werden.

China’s Rise as a global economic powerhouse is one of the most consequential events of our time. This meteoric ascent challenges the existing world order, and in response, China has strategically harnessed its cultural diplomacy to bolster its influence worldwide. In this episode of „Die Kulturmitter:innen – Deep Dive“ we speak with Ximena Zapata, a specialist in China-Latin America relations and international cooperation in Latin America. She just published a study about China’s cultural diplomacy and its way to achieve its ambitious objective of consensual hegemony. If you want to read the whole study of Ximena Zapata, click here: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/forschung-detail/chinas-cultural-diplomacy-multilateralism/

Artists and cultural institutions often cross borders by challenging conventional, religious, social, and political norms. As a result, they are under intense scrutiny, subjects to repression and even attacked by other parts of civil society. What measures are in place to ensure the protection of these artists? And how can international cultural relations contribute to safeguarding artistic freedom? This is the subject of the research project by Sara Whyatt and Ole Reitov, both experts for the UNESCO on this topic and today’s guests in this episode of Die Kulturmitter:innen - Deep Dive. Their study will be published next year. To explore other recent research studies on artistic freedom and temporary relocation programmes for artists at risk, visit: https://bit.ly/mri-studien To learn more about the Martin Roth-Initiative and its programmes for artists at risk, click here: https://bit.ly/martin-roth-initiative If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at podcast@ifa.de.

Myanmar seemed to be on a well-paved road to democracy, after political reforms had been initiated in 2011 and the first free elections had been held after 25 years in 2015. The military coup in 2021 ended it abruptly. Ever since, a civil war has been simmering, in which thousands have been arrested and killed. Among those arrested was the democratically elected leader of the country, Aung San Suu Kyi. She started out as one of the revolutionary icons in the democratic protests in 1988, known as the 8888 protests. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but was later on heavily criticized for her stance on the Rohingya genocide in 2017. Our guest, Ma Thida – surgeon, author, and human rights activist – joined the prodemocratic movement behind Suu Kyi. In 1993, she was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her political engagement and support of Suu Kyis party. After six years, she was released due to her health conditions and international pressure. In this episode of ‘Die Kulturmittler:innen’, Ma Thida talks about the role of icons in revolutions and literature as a tool for freedom and protest while giving us an insight on recent developments in her country. All previous episodes of ‘Die Kulturmittler:innen’, e.g. on Taiwan as a democratic role model, can be found here: https://www.ifa.de/ifa-podcast/ Do you have topic requests or feedback? Feel free to send them to podcast@ifa.de. More information on ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen at https://www.ifa.de.

While the art of curating was once led by museums, its role has been transformed over the years. A curator nowadays wears many hats: They are curators, producers, mediators – working across fields and disciplines, across borders and mediums, and across physical and virtual spaces. The freelance curator and architect Paula Nascimento is part of this ever-changing process. Having participated in interdisciplinary and collaborative projects, the Angolan curator has a unique perspective on her profession that she shares with us in this episode. Nascimento explains the many layers of curating and how she herself has experienced it in collaborative and interdisciplinary projects. In this episode, we also take a look at the role of international exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennial, where Nascimento co-curated the Angolan pavilion in 2013. It was the first and only time, an African country received the golden lion for its national representation. And finally, she gives us an insight into virtual art spaces, with ifa’s digital exhibition “ARE YOU FOR REAL – Phase 1” that she curated together with various artists and curators. If you want to learn more about the digital exhibition, ARE YOU FOR REAL, click here: https://www.ifa.de/tournee/are-you-for-real/ For more information on the potential of transnational cooperations in curating, you should read our study “What does ‘curating’ mean today?” by the art historian Annette Tietenberg. You can find the full study here: https://culturalrelations.ifa.de/en/research/details/what-does-curating-mean-today/ All previous episodes of “Die Kulturmittler:innen”, e.g. on feminist foreign policy or our special episodes on Ukraine, can be found here: https://www.ifa.de/ifa-podcast/ Do you have topic requests or feedback? Feel free to send them to podcast@ifa.de. More information on the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen at https://www.ifa.de.