Common Ground 2023
28 Jun 2023
Every day, we are bombarded with news that can easily lead us down a path of despair. It seems as though the world is filled with turmoil, conflict, and uncertainty. Many have written about it, discussing the problems at length, and the initial instinct is to do the same. But let’s not. Let’s take a different approach and look at stories and reasons to be hopeful. Because hope, so we believe, can be a source of renewable energy.
As you flip through the pages of our annual magazine, you will be greeted with colors that reflect the spirit of summer, an invitation to embrace warmth and slow motion. We have curated a collection of remarkable content that celebrates the beauty, resilience, creativity, and unity of our European cultural community.
The magazine contains remarkable stories and achievements by Culture of Solidarity Fund grantees, and portraits of the remarkable diverse spaces libraries are. You can explore what CrAFt sandbox cities do to become carbon neutral and what culture can do to make this transformation happen. Common Ground presents updates on The European Pavilion, republications from SHIFT bookazine, a poignant collection of stories and images that challenges preconceived narratives of migrants in European media. You can dive into interviews, read about Eurovision, find out how European sentiments flourish in these times of war, and how the Cultural Deal for Europe campaign wants to contribute to a future Europe we all share. Photo essays capture the essence of our continent rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, reminding us of the diverse tapestry that makes up Europe. And much more!
The stories showcase the determination and resourcefulness of diverse communities to protect our planet for generations to come. We hope they serve as a call to action encouraging us to harness our collective power and create change. We need positive energy to face the challenges of our times. Hope is an attitude and a promise. Let us embrace hope as a source of renewable energy, nurturing it within ourselves and in the world around us.