From July 1 to December 31, 2023, Spain holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, accompanied by a comprehensive cultural program in Belgium. The program aligns with the priorities and values of a closer Europe, focusing on two main axes: "The Europe of People" and "The Transformative Europe." These themes emphasize respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law, as well as social transformation and ecological change.
The cultural program includes various events and exhibitions showcasing Spanish and international artists. One of the highlights is the installation of Alicia Framis's sculpture "Cartas al cielo" in the European Parliament's Citizens' Garden, supported by the Maria Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation. Additionally, Jaume Plensa's exhibition "La parte de lo sagrado" will be held in Mons from July 1 to October 8, in collaboration with the Beaux-Arts Mons and the Spanish Embassy in Belgium.
The program also features a series of concerts, dance performances, and theater productions. On July 3, the Spanish-Belgian coproduction "En los márgenes" will premiere at BOZAR, marking the beginning of the Spanish cinema program scheduled for the presidential semester. On July 6, María Sánchez will perform a recital titled "Tierra de mujeres" in the European Parliament's Citizens' Garden, dedicated to rural areas and environmental preservation.
In conjunction with the EU-CELAC Summit, the cultural project #EULAT4DIVERSITY, a collaboration with Latin American embassies in Brussels, will present various events. These include an animated short film cycle in collaboration with the Zinegoak LGBTIQ+ International Film Festival, a flamenco performance by Rubén Heras and Jero Férec, and a literary meeting with writers Luna Miguel, Mónica Ojeda, Grecia Cáceres, and Velia Vidal.
The cultural offer in summer also includes music, dance, and theater, as well as the "La escena sin límites" program, co-organized by the Instituto Cervantes and the INAEM, Ministry of Culture and Sport of Spain. This program aims to promote the internationalization of music and performing arts. Notable events include a concert by organist Arturo Barba Sevillano on July 18 and a performance by the AnacroníaEnsemble on August 5.
After the summer, the program continues with various concerts and performances, including a performance by La Ribot and a jazz concert by the EU presidencies' trio (Spain, Belgium, and Hungary). The program also features the world premiere of the chamber opera "Cambio madre por moto" by Belgian composer Frank Nuyts, with a libretto by Spanish writer Rosa Montero.
The cultural program also encompasses visual arts, literature, and thought. Notable exhibitions include "La práctica del Arte" by Antoni Tàpies, "J’aime Hayón" retrospective, and "Ilustrad/as: A Look at Female Creation in Vanguard Illustration." The program also features a cycle of encounters, "Otras maneras de contar," with thinkers, writers, and academics from the Pan-Hispanic territory.
Key points
- The cultural program is designed to promote European values and social transformation.
- The program showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
- The events aim to foster cultural exchange and understanding between Spain, Belgium, and Latin America.
