Oct 15, 2024
For those passionate about the strategic future of Armenian arts and culture, there’s one event that is setting the agenda: ASA FORUM. Organized by AGBU Katapult with funding by the European Union and ArtNexus Sweden, ASA FORUM is Armenia’s first cultural policy platform. The name, “ASA” comes from the Advocacy Society for the Arts (ASA), a newly forming network across the global Armenian creative community to advocate for a national strategy for culture that reflects the sector’s current and future needs. This dynamic gathering brings together artists, policymakers, cultural institutions, and industry leaders to tackle the most pressing issues facing Armenia's creative landscape. But what exactly is ASA FORUM, and why should you care?
Let's break it down:
Is ASA FORUM an annual event?
ASA FORUM 2024 aims to be an annual cultural policy platform, but this year is special. As a crucial moment for collective reflection and strategizing, ASA FORUM 2024 is also a call to action for the creative community to join and take ownership of the ASA effort. Though the organization is in its nascent stages, as a symbol of a collective voice (“asa” or “ասա”, in Armenian, means “speak”) the founding team is opening the kitchen doors to reveal what has been cooking over the past two years within Katapult’s cultural policy work. Current AGBU Katapult policy issues like Intellectual Property Rights protection and enforcement and Philanthropy Law reform, are migrating to the ASA network.
What can we expect from ASA FORUM?
The ASA Forum isn't afraid to delve into complex and sometimes contentious topics within the realm of cultural policy and creative industries. This year's forum is structured around three core themes:
Legal Frameworks: Navigating the Laws that Shape Creativity
This theme tackles the legal foundations upon which Armenia's cultural sector is built. Expect discussions on copyright law, arts funding regulations, culture as a public right, and the legislative barriers and opportunities facing creative entrepreneurs.Strategies for Investment & Internationalization: Fueling a Thriving Creative Ecosystem
This theme delves into the critical issue of financial sustainability and cultural export for Armenian artists and cultural organizations. FORUM 2024 will explore diverse investment models, from public funding and private philanthropy, to international partnerships and the role of the Armenian diaspora.Digital Transformation: Embracing New Frontiers in Art and Technology
Recognizing the transformative impact of technology in the arts, the FORUM dedicates a key session to exploring digital platforms, online audiences, and the exciting possibilities of art in the digital age.
What to keep an eye out for at ASA FORUM 2024?
We are particularly excited about ASA FORUM 2024’s keynote speaker, Ragnar Siil, a creative industries expert who has worked on both sides of the policy frontline - as a government worker within Estonia’s Ministry of Culture, and as a Cultural practitioner and consultant globally. Ragnar was part of the team transitioning Estonia’s governance mechanisms to digital solutions that streamlined efficient and transparent systems.
What’s more, as a cultural and creative industries expert, Ragnar knows deeply the nuances of a sector that has a dual, and sometimes conflicting, nature: artistic and commercial. He has been chairing the European Union expert group on the creative industries that challenges 28 member states to reinvent their approach to culture on a continuous basis. Join us on October 25 at the Sundukyan theatre to learn more, register here.
Why ASA FORUM Matters
In a rapidly changing world, ASA FORUM serves as a vital platform for shaping the future of Armenia’s cultural and creative sector. It's where ideas are sparked, collaborations are forged, and policy is influenced. Whether you're an artist, cultural administrator, policymaker, or simply someone who cares deeply about the arts, ASA FORUM offers a long-awaited space to engage in this critical conversation.
Where’s the party at?
Don’t worry, ASA FORUM isn’t all talk - there will also be some action. From 6pm onwards event participants will enjoy live music, refreshments, and an inspiring awards ceremony: ASA B2A Awards.
Follow this link to learn more about the ASA Forum and the Advocacy Society for the Arts: asaarmenia.info