Art and Politics Across Borders

26 June 2007, Harstad, Festspillene i Nord-Norge

The program focuses on art and cultural cooperation across borders: The Barents Region with its historically peaceful border relations and Caucasus, representing a long history of border disputes. How can art and culture be used as instruments to prevent conflicts, to promote soft security – as the politicians like to call it? Join us for an interesting journey across borders.

With us is HANS WILHELM LONGVA, one of Norway’s foremost diplomats, former ambassador to Turkey, current ambassador to Lebanon and Syria, one of the most well-versed in the field of international politics and history of the Middle East.

LEVAN KHETAGURI is leader of the Caucasian Foundation (Tbilisi, Georgia) and contributes with his knowledge of the area.

ARTO TUNÇBOYACIYAN – vocalist in the Armenian Navy Band (Yerevan – New York) illustrates the cross-border discussions through his solo performance.