Java of Europe in Albania, a celebration of art and culture in 9 cities

From May 17 to 31, Albania welcomes the next edition of the European Cultural Week, an inclusive celebration of art and culture that will take place in nine cities: Tirana, Kamza, Shkodra, Durres, Elbasan, Vlora, Korça, Berat, and Pilur (Himara).

The opening of the activities was marked by a conference in Tirana focused on European identity. Present at the ceremony were also Federica Mogherini, rector of the College of Europe, the ambassador of the European Union, Silvio Gonzato, Albanian authorities from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, as well as other guests from the cultural life, artists, and students.

The EU ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, while taking the floor emphasized that “Europe Week” aims to show “where we want to go as Europeans in these uncertain times.”

“We would like to see Europe not just as a geographical place, but as an experience, a feeling that we share with each other, as a collective imagination,” said Gonzato, adding that Europe should be seen as a place where freedom of expression is important.

“The community of artists in Albania brought more than 200 proposals for activities, which made it very difficult for us to choose. But in the end, we had to select 11 very different, diverse artistic projects that will take place in 30 locations in 9 cities of Albania over the next two weeks,” said Gonzato.

The ambassador emphasized that “Europe Week” this year will be a journey through visual arts, performances, interpretations, music, but also conversations.

Federica Mogherini, rector of the College of Europe, said during her speech that being European is a different approach for each of us.

“The EU happened when our founding fathers realized that we needed more than what had been done in the past. It is not only our relationship with the past, but also the fact that we tend to analyze critical moments, shortcomings, and our achievements. Not only the fact that we study the past, but also the very critical approach we have has made us build something very unique,” stated Mogherini.

The rector of the College of Europe stated that lessons must be learned from the past, which should then be translated into norms, values, rules, and institutional systems in the implementation of the law.

Europe Week in Albania, with a rich program of over 45 activities, offers a platform for international cooperation, public reflection, and artistic expression.

Artists such as Blerta Kambo, Olsi Hoxha, Redina Qose, Rona Nishliu, Gentian Doda, Lorin Terezi, Harlen Nikolli, and many others will bring through music, theater, film, exhibitions, performances, and discussions, a deep experience on issues such as identity, memory, freedom, belonging, and love.

The program also includes conversations with artists, forums for dialogue and reflection on the role of art in society – transforming Albanian cities into open stages of critical thought and collective creativity. (May 19)