Malta Conference of the European Alliance of Academies on Arts and Migration

Prof. Joanna Spassova-Dikova, PhD, Director of the Institute of Art Studies – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, was among those invited to the International Scientific Conference The Arts and Migration(s): Reflections and Responsibilities. The forum was organised by the European Alliance of Academies, of which the IAS – BAS is a member since 2021, in Valletta, Malta, from 27 to 31 October 2025. The participation of a representative of the Institute in the forum took place within the framework of the National Scientific Program for the Development and Promotion of Bulgarian Studies Abroad (NSP “Bulgarian Studies” – DCM No. 205/07.04.2022), with the aim of popularising the results achieved by the project “Toposes of Memory”. Workshops and discussions were held. One of the initiatives was a special roundtable, Café Climate, dedicated to climate change and various crises, particularly migration. The role of art in integration and enriching intercultural dialogue was highlighted. On the last day, a statement was prepared and adopted by all participants to increase the exchange between different cultures worldwide, which states: “Millions of people are forced to leave their countries due to economic inequality, war, persecution, floods, and drought. There is no migration crisis, as we hear all too often, but rather a political crisis, with more and more countries blaming migration for the problems they face… Art and culture rely on the free movement of people and ideas – being confined to national borders makes us narrow-minded and one-sided. Instead of turning a blind eye to the growing prejudices and misinformation, we need to open our windows and doors…” Malta Statement – European Alliance of Academies