Belgium/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation  

3.4.5 Cross-border intercultural dialogue and co-operation

Flemish Community

In the previous two legislative terms, a number of cross-border projects concerning intercultural dialogue were set up by the Flemish governments. A "Local Cultural Policy Project" (2003-2005) was set up in 6 municipalities in South Africa in order to develop a local cultural policy. In the period 2007-2010, a new project was set up in South Africa. The project is called "Batsha" (Youth) and was built around the "adoption" of four community centres, focusing on youth development through arts education, heritage, the performing and visual arts and sports.

In 2007-2008, steps were taken to stimulate Flemish-Congolese cultural cooperation. In February 2008, a declaration was signed by both Ministers of Culture. The possibilities were explored for setting up a "space" with socio-cultural programming in Kinshasa. At the same time, the idea emerged to develop a Flemish-Congolese culture house in Brussels, to stimulate durable and creative cooperation with Congo.

In May 2006, the Flemish Community and Morocco signed an agreement to set up "Daarkom", a Flemish-Moroccan House for Culture in Brussels, with a focus on intercultural dialogue. In 2011, Daarkom has become operational.

In the current legislative term, cultural policy documents mention no current initiatives researching the development of cross-border intercultural dialogue. International cultural policy is under construction however, so new initiatives may emerge.

French Community

The French Community has its own delegation within the summits of French-speaking Heads of State.

For more information, see our Intercultural Dialogue section. 

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