Art promotion in new Europe - towards cultural integration : the cases of Poland and the Czech Republic

Abstract

"Art promotion in New Europe: towards cultural integration. Cases of Poland and the Czech Republic" examines the situation in the cultural sector of these countries in the post 1989 era. A comparison of Poland and the Czech Republic highlights the wide scope of the problems in improving the standards of contemporary art promotion and cultural exchanges in each country. The study provides information on the background already gained from professional experience within the informal institutions and by individuals whose contacts built the initial ground for international cooperation in both Poland and the Czech Republic. The administrative as well as the artistic problems are discussed. The separate but very important issue of the commercial side of the effective international art promotion is also analysed. Commercial contacts and the difficulties in building an art market in both countries, are studied with regard to problems In the International art dealing during the recession. Much of the evidence is drawn from Interviews with Western and Eastern artists, dealers and arts organizers. This thesis also looks at the changing cultural policy within the European Union and at new potentials for successful International cooperation with the individual member-to-be countries, and their formal and informal institutions. An assessment of art promotion is explored with particular reference to the latest actions of the Council of Europe and the Commission of the European Communities. New ways of cultural collaboration are also examined, based on the rising Importance of the "regions" as administrative units within the European Union and their role in international and national arts programmes. The idea of cooperating regions is also used in this context as a direct way for non-member states to become natural part of the cultural exchanges, exploiting the geographical and historical ties. Assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contemporary art promotion in the new Europe is based on evidence gathered from both administrators and artists whose work has been affected by the changes since 1989. The thesis provides a diagnosis of the situation and gathers opinions of the professionals seeking Improvements to facilitate a full cultural dialogue on an international basis.