The 2012 Cultural Bridges in Germany conference focuses on the potential for Cultural Diplomacy to further promote and strengthen multicultural relations in Germany. On the theme: “Strengthening Intercultural Relations in Germany through the Arts, Sports, Politics and the Economy”, the conference will be held in Berlin, November 7-9, in parallel to the 23rd anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Contemporary Germany consists of a diverse multicultural landscape of individuals whose origins stem from every continent of the world.  These multicultural individuals/communities both live and work together, as such the question of defining the German identity becomes a major question for the German public at large. In addition, new opportunities and challenges are faced in developing and maintaining international and intercultural relations both within the framework of the EU and internationally. The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) recognizes an opportunity for Cultural Diplomacy to serve as a bridge between people of different cultures and the 2012 Cultural Bridges in Germany will therefore focus on the potential for Cultural Diplomacy to further promote and strengthen multicultural relations in Germany. The application of these new practices of multicultural dialogue and exchange will be analyzed during the Conference and will offer a wide diversity of perspectives on the issue of cultural bridges in Germany and Internationally. The Conference will consist of a series of simultaneous sessions of lectures, panel discussions, interactive roundtable discussions, seminars, group visits, excursion and cultural activities. The Conference will be held parallel to the “23rd Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall” and the participants will be able to participate in the official ceremony and events which will be a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and contemporary context of German unity. Conference Participants » Participation in the conference is open to governmental & diplomatic officials, academics & scholars, economists, journalists, artists, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, young professionals and students as well as other interested individuals from across the world. The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy created the program “Cultural Bridges in Germany” to strengthen relations between Germany’s cultural communities, exploring the benefits of a multi-cultural society, and analyzing Germany’s increasing role as a regional and global power.