The second edition of the PostScriptum ValueTalks (PSVT2) under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and with an opening address by Minister Lina Mendoni will examine the latest trends and challenges in the two seemingly separate topics of regional development and cultural diplomacy, exploring their interconnected aspects.
This conference aims to demonstrate that these two areas, while having their own specific objectives and approaches, are inextricably linked when considered as elements in an integrated cultural policy framework. PSVT2 will bring together leading experts, policy makers and cultural practitioners to discuss ideas that can be acted upon for both sectors.
The first part of the conference will highlight the role of culture in regional development. Culture has long been recognised as a vital factor in the attractiveness, growth and prosperity of cities and regions. Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) play a central role in urban regeneration, helping cities to become more dynamic and sustainable. They contribute not only to economic growth but also to social cohesion, promoting innovation and creating opportunities for marginalised groups.
In Greece, this issue is particularly relevant due to the continuing and significant gap in activity, employment and infrastructure in the CCIs between the capital region and the rest of the country. The CCIs often find it difficult to grow, to support the cultural brand of the country and to cooperate dynamically with other economic sectors. However, when progress is made, the results are remarkable, underlining the need to pursue this direction further.
The first part will be structured around a keynote speech setting the context, followed by two thematic panels:
1. Institutional approaches to cultural development: Speakers will explore the tools and initiatives that currently exist to promote culture-driven regional development in Greece. They will assess their effectiveness and explore how they can be strengthened to better support local communities and economies.
2. Bottom-up cultural initiatives: These initiatives, which often emerge organically, are vital to ensure that culture really takes root at the local level. The panel will explore how local creativity and cultural projects can complement formal institutions, highlighting the importance of supporting community engagement and initiatives through cultural policy.
The second part of the conference will turn its attention to cultural diplomacy, another pillar of a strong cultural policy. Cultural diplomacy is not only a soft power tool that promotes national interests and international cooperation, but also a lever for regional and national promotion with socio-economic benefits. It allows regions to promote their unique cultural assets on the global stage, enhancing their attractiveness for tourism, investment and international cooperation.
The second part of the conference will turn its attention to cultural diplomacy, another pillar of a strong cultural policy. Cultural diplomacy is not only a soft power tool that promotes national interests and international cooperation, but also a lever for regional and national promotion with socio-economic benefits. It allows regions to promote their unique cultural assets on the global stage, enhancing their attractiveness for tourism, investment and international cooperation.
This session will also start with a keynote address on the broader context of cultural diplomacy, including contemporary challenges such as cultural heritage restitution, the exporting of know-how, cultural franchising, and long-term partnerships. Afterwards, two panels will further develop the topic:
1. State initiatives for Cultural Diplomacy: The first panel will analyze Greece’s state-led efforts in the field of cultural diplomacy, focusing on the role of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intergovernmental functions (for example, UNESCO representation, representatives to the European Commission, relevant committees of the European Parliament and the European Council) in promoting CCIs and related businesses, supporting the development of a specialized national brand and facilitating international cultural diplomacy.
2. The role of non-state actors: the second panel will explore how private and non-profit organisations contribute to cultural diplomacy. Increasingly, non-state actors are playing an important role in promoting international cultural relations, and this panel will explore how their efforts can complement state initiatives.
The PSVT2 will provide a platform for intensive discussions on the synergies between regional development and cultural diplomacy. Bringing together leading experts, the conference will generate new ideas and practical recommendations for policy makers, cultural practitioners and stakeholders. Participants will leave with an enriched understanding of how holistic cultural policy and coordinated action can promote both regional development and international cultural engagement.