Valletta hosted the international conference “The Arts and Migration(s): Reflections and Responsibilities,” bringing together leading cultural institutions from across Europe. Among the panelists was Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Association (Poland).
From 27 to 29 October 2025, Arts Council Malta hosted the conference “The Arts and Migration(s): Reflections and Responsibilities” within the framework of the European Alliance of Academies – a network founded to defend artistic freedom and freedom of speech across Europe.
The programme opened with a Welcome Session to the European Alliance of Academies, featuring:
- Manos Tsangaris – President, Akademie der Künste, Berlin
- Nikki Petroni – Arts Council Malta
- Valerio Rocco Lozano – Director, Círculo de Bellas Artes de Madrid
This was followed by the keynote address “Words Matter” by Cécile Wajsbrot, writer and member of the Akademie der Künste, Berlin, who reflected on how language shapes our collective sense of responsibility and belonging.
The conference continued with the panel “How Can Artistic Practices Reshape the Perception of Migration?”, featuring:
- Darrin Zammit Lupi – Photographer, Malta
- Dominika Kasprowicz – Director, Villa Decius Association, Poland
- Osvaldo Costantini – Cultural Anthropologist, Sapienza University, Italy
- Steffen Mensching – Writer & Theatre Director, Akademie der Künste, Berlin
- Moderated by Daniela DeBono, Head of Department & Associate Professor, University of Malta
The discussion explored how artistic practices can challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and open new ways of understanding migration, identity, and belonging.
As Dominika Kasprowicz emphasized:
“Culture and art have the power to build communities beyond borders — communities of sensitivity, solidarity, and shared understanding.”
At the close of the event, the European Alliance of Academies issued a statement calling for the recognition of migrants’ vital contribution to art, culture, and society, and warning against the growing “fortress Europe” mentality.
“There is no migration crisis — there is a political and moral crisis.
We must rediscover civility, hospitality, and openness.
Art and culture rely upon the free circulation of people and ideas — restrictions make us narrow-minded and one-sided.”
As a proud member of the European Alliance of Academies, the Villa Decius Association continues to advocate for international dialogue, cultural solidarity, and artistic freedom, building bridges between communities through art and exchange.
