A Glimpse Into EU4Culture: Rethinking Artistic Challenges and Exploring Creative Solutions

The second day of the EU4Culture Festival was a vibrant celebration of creativity and inclusivity, showcasing a series of workshops and panel discussions designed to empower young artists and promote sustainable practices. Highlights included a sustainable fashion workshop led by eco-fashion designer Aysel Sadıqova, a dance session on creativity by Nigar Yıldırım of DanceAbility, and a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Əfsanə Tahirova titled "Can Art Drive Change?"

The panel tackled key issues faced by artists in their development journeys, focusing on access to resources, the feasibility of working independently, and innovative funding models like crowdfunding. Cahangir Səlimxanov, a speaker at the discussion, emphasized the importance of self-initiative among artists, suggesting that in the absence of external support, artists must actively showcase their work through online platforms and alternative avenues.

However, his criticism of artists’ readiness to utilize available resources sparked debate. Referring to his own experiences with outreach efforts to local creatives, he noted, “I approached four or five directors for a project—only one responded. This made me question whether artists are prepared to leverage the resources available to them. When opportunities arise, they often go undervalued.”

This viewpoint was met with mixed reactions from the audience, many of whom argued for greater transparency in resource distribution before such generalizations are made. Adding to the conversation, Əfsanə Yusif, founder of Roller Bird, shared her experience with crowdfunding. While acknowledging its potential, she pointed out the considerable effort and resources it demands, explaining, “Volunteers might help once or twice, but sustaining such projects without consistent funding is nearly impossible.”

The festival also addressed the broader question of whether art inherently carries the responsibility to drive change. Panelists concluded that while art can indeed inspire transformation, it is not its sole purpose. Artistic independence, they noted, remains an elusive ideal, as artists often navigate a delicate balance between creative freedom and the expectations of funding organizations. Ayna Moazzen observed that censorship, whether overt or subtle, varies across systems and geographies, underscoring the need for clear and open dialogue between artists and institutions.

Another point of contention was the limited availability of spaces for artistic expression, a shortfall that weakens connections between artists and audiences. Zərif Bəkirova emphasized the importance of local representation in art, noting that while addressing global issues is vital, grounding them in familiar, relatable contexts makes them resonate more deeply with the audience.

The day concluded with a performance by Ahmedovski Trio and a presentation by Svitlana Jitnian on the therapeutic potential of digital art, offering attendees a compelling finale to an intellectually stimulating program.

The EU4Culture initiative, of which the festival is a part, underscores the critical role of art in fostering social and economic development. By bringing together local and international artists, the program seeks to advance inclusivity, sustainability, and creative exchange. Its agenda aligns with broader goals such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. Over the course of four years, EU4Culture has organized numerous workshops, festivals, and discussions, enabling artists to refine their skills and connect with global opportunities.

As attendees leafed through the festival’s commemorative journal, showcasing milestones achieved through this initiative, the message was clear: art not only reflects society but also holds the power to shape it. For many participants, this realization marked the beginning of new journeys in their creative pursuits, bolstered by the tools, networks, and inspiration gained during the festival.

The EU4Culture Festival stands as a testament to the transformative potential of art—one workshop, one performance, and one connection at a time.