EU Futures

This episode is a conversation with Matej Vakula, a Slovakian multimedia artist, about the heterogeneous cultural makeup of Europe. He discusses the challenges of rising nationalism, particularly in former Eastern Bloc nations, and the need for reeducation programs which emphasize greater acceptance of diversity within the European Community. Vakula addresses the importance of public activism and the role of artistic campaigns in the promotion of political causes in the EU and the need for increased education and citizen involvement in policy making to fight both corruption and xenophobia at the European level.(Date of interview: February 26, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Hannah Thompson, a British artist, about the shifting perspectives of European voters. She talks about the increasing multiculturalism in Europe, and the need for more people to be educated about how the European Union functions and what each candidate can offer and represent at the European policy level. Thompson discusses her hopes for the redistribution of wealth and power across the EU Member States and how Britain faces a crucial moment, as the nation can decide to cooperate and work to improve the great European experiment, or they can vote in favor of Brexit and abandon the EU. (Date of interview: February 26, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Maria Rebecca Ballestra, an Italian artist and writer, about the future identity of Europe. Speaking about her vision of change in the increasingly globalized world, Ballestra examines the impacts of current crises facing Europe today, focusing on how the economic crisis exposed the gap between citizens and the institutions governing their lives. Ballestra discusses the potential for Europeans to rethink society, reimagine civilization, and act as a model for countries all over the globe, emphasizing the role and power individuals have in making these changes happen. (Date of interview: February 26, 2016)