The 2011 edition of the festival addressed a wide range of pressing social, political, and cultural issues facing Europe, bringing together artists, activists, researchers, policymakers, and citizens in a transnational programme of debates, exhibitions, performances, workshops, screenings, and public interventions. While embracing diverse topics such as sustainability, gender equality, and civic participation, the festival was structured around four overarching themes that were explored across all participating cities and culminated in transnational forums where participants exchanged perspectives and developed shared conclusions.
A central focus of the programme was the future of European democracy and citizenship in the context of migration, economic uncertainty, and social exclusion. The festival examined the treatment of migrants at and beyond European borders, questioned prevailing approaches to multiculturalism and integration, and reflected on the changing meaning of European citizenship. It also highlighted the rights of Roma and Traveller communities, addressing discrimination, exclusion, and mobility while promoting alternative narratives and policy discussions. Alongside these themes, the festival explored the social consequences of the global financial crisis, considering its uneven impact across different regions and social groups, and encouraging debate on more equitable economic models for Europe.
The festival also devoted significant attention to questions of democracy, communication, and civic engagement through discussions on media freedom, media pluralism, and the growing influence of digital technologies in public life. Against the backdrop of concerns over media independence and the emergence of new forms of online mobilisation, the programme examined both the challenges facing democratic communication and the opportunities created by new media for transnational activism. By combining artistic practices with critical debate and collaborative forums across multiple European cities, the 2011 edition reinforced the festival’s commitment to fostering cross-border dialogue, strengthening civil society networks, and imagining more inclusive and democratic futures for Europe.
