DIVERSIDAD - European Urban Experience

In this framework, at the initiative of the European Commission, the DIVERSIDAD project was thought up by the European Music Office (EMO) and the Diversités association. The aim of this project is to provide the players in European urban cultures with a platform for getting to know one another, sharing, creating and together founding a lasting bridge of exchanges. The upcoming release of a single bringing together numerous European artists will symbolise the first step in this urban-intercultural dialogue.

With concerts, exhibitions, documentaries, conferences and the development of a digital exchange platform, DIVERSIDAD also seeks to give an idea of the scope and richness of urban cultures in Europe nearly 25 years after its emergence and to banish the clichés that are too often associated with it. Urban cultures have been federating the young generations for 30 years. They are the reflection of respect and solidarity through common values, the reflection of the diversity and mix of languages, cultures and origins that make up the Europe of today.

Through hip-hop, a major urban artistic movement in community life, rappers and footballers have quite often demonstrated their friendship and solidarity with events and taking stands. Hip-hop and football, vectors of intercultural dialogue federating young people, communities and social networks, also share the ability to reach all publics, all cultures. The Austrian capital, co-organiser of the EURO 2008 football championship in June, quite naturally imposed itself for hosting this first European get-together. These encounters, focussing on urban cultures, will take place on June 23rd, 24th and 25th, all in the centre of Vienna, at one of Europe’s greatest cultural and artistic centres, the WUK.