THE RIVER//CITIES FORUM will be held in Warsaw on 22-25 OCTOBER 2006. The conference aims to develop partnerships between river cities in Europe, inspired by the work of artists, NGOs, cultural institutions and local authorities on the banks of the Vistula River.

The general purpose of the Forum is to inspire co-operation, cultural planning and to show the best practices of art events placed on the river banks.

There are many cities settled on the banks of rivers. Rivers – the ways of transport of commodities as well as ideas and new information. Land’s blood system, that at the same time joins and divides people. It could be an important economic factor. It might as well be recreation zone, a vibrant place of social life. It could also be a problem.

The Vistula River is forgotten and invisible territory in Warsaw. “Cultural season on the Vistula River” emerged from the inspiration of other revitalising projects in Europe. The aim is to join both parts of the city and to change the image of the river. The way is culture –a series of cultural events on the both banks of the river, throughout the summer, that develop in Warsaw the understanding for and strengthening of the inter-relations between art and society. We wanted to animate urban empty space, close to the citizens, to create possibility for public dialogue. We want to establish new ways of cooperation between city officials and cultural operators in close cooperation with the citizens. It is a project that connects urban re-invention and city marketing, social inclusion and audience development, project in which art creates new values in the city planning.

The most important thing for us is DIALOGUE. Dialogue with space. Dialogue among artists. Dialogue with the society and AMONG CULTURES.

We will be happy to learn your experience and projects located on the river banks in your cities. We want to know your dreams about the rivers and we want to share ours with you.

We are sure we can create the dynamic EUROPEAN PLATFORM OF RIVER CITIES together. Platform that will allow to extend our own projects and increase their international dimension.

Read the full programme: River Cities