David Watson, Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, joins to discuss the power of cultural mega-events like Eurovision. The podcast explores the unity and impact of Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool and its role in fostering international partnerships. They touch on the transformative effects of art and culture on global connections and the emphasis on cultural unity in Eurovision.
Eurovision showcases cultural unity through music, bridging diverse heritages globally.
Liverpool's successful cultural event strategy prioritizes community involvement, events infrastructure, and long-term planning.
Deep dives
Eurovision's Cultural Impact
Eurovision serves as a platform for uniting diverse cultures through music, enabling artists to showcase their heritage on a global stage. By hosting Eurovision, Liverpool and Ukraine demonstrated the power of cultural collaboration and unity, reflecting the ability of music to transcend borders and foster connections among people.
Liverpool's Innovative Approach to Hosting
Liverpool's hosting of Eurovision exemplified a successful cultural event strategy, emphasizing strong community involvement, robust events infrastructure, and long-term cultural planning. The city's creative initiatives showcased its warmth, vitality, and commitment to cultural excellence, setting a precedent for future host cities of international events.
Culture's Role in Promoting Peace
Art and culture play a vital role in promoting peace and understanding, transcending political boundaries and enabling diverse perspectives to be shared. These creative expressions serve as powerful tools for building connections, fostering empathy, and addressing challenges in society, contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Engagement and Participation in Cultural Events
Encouraging active participation and engagement in cultural events, such as Eurovision, empowers individuals to explore creativity, connect with different cultures, and share unique experiences. Embracing artistic expressions, fostering community involvement, and promoting cultural diversity enrich the fabric of society and contribute to collective well-being and unity.
In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on the extraordinary moment of collaboration between Liverpool and Ukraine when they hosted Eurovision in 2023. What does this experience teach us about the power of being united through arts and culture? And what is the value – to communities, cities, and countries - in hosting cultural mega-events like Eurovision?
Join our host Christine Wilson and guest David Watson, Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, as they rewind to the electrifying atmosphere of last year's contest and its impact on local communities in Liverpool.We’ll also hear from Kyiv, Ukraine, where Tetyana Filevska, Creative Director of the Ukrainian Institute, tells us what it was like to see her home country being represented in Liverpool for Eurovision 2023.