As Luxembourg is a multilingual and multicultural country, with a foreign population of 47.2% in 2021 and approx. 211,700 cross-border employees on a daily basis, intercultural dialogue is an intrinsic element of national policies, including in particular cultural policies. The interaction between some 175 nationalities within a limited territory, “which can give rise to political, social or cultural tensions, is rather perceived in and by Luxembourg as an opportunity to maintain its dual European and Luxembourg consciousness, to draw new strengths in the peaceful cohabitation of all concerned and to serve as an example for a future harmonious Europe.”[1] In Luxembourg, multiculturalism therefore designates “a model of society which respects the cultural origins of everyone, while relying on similarities and common values to ensure social cohesion.”[2]
The 2018-2023 government program insists that “public debate and reflection on the essential questions of identity(ies) and history(ies), divergences, commonalities and self-understanding of a society whose diversity, pluralism and interculturality constitute its fundamental features, remain essential for intercultural dialogue as well as effective integration and social cohesion. In this sense, “cultural diversity is one of Luxembourg’s assets and is part of its identity (…). Thus, culture helps to build bridges across society, to stimulate integration and social cohesion. For this reason, intercultural events and programs that contribute to dialogue between different members of our society will be promoted. »[3]
It is therefore hardly surprising that one of the primary objectives of the current Cultural development plan (KEP) is to “link cultural diversity with intercultural dialogue by creating a virtuous circle”, aiming to “identify and encourage forms of cultural diversity that promote self-reflection, encounter and creative momentum.”[4]
Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue also play a key role in efforts to decentralize cultural policy.
There are also many cultural events and activities that testify to multiculturalism in Luxembourg and that work in favour of intercultural exchange. “The Festival des migrations, des cultures et de la citoyenneté, the Salon du livre et des cultures (…) and the Fête de la musique are among the major cultural events that bring Luxembourg’s cultural diversity to the fore. The main idea of these events is to recognize one’s own culture as the fruit of cultural mixing. (…)
Luxembourg’s cultural agenda displays numerous cultural events at municipal level throughout the year on the theme of cultural diversity and integration. Take as an example the Fête des cultures in the city of Dudelange (…). Dudelange also houses the Centre de documentation sur les migrations humaines (CDMH), a member of the Association of European Migration Institutions (AEMI). The CDMH places Luxembourgish and cross-border immigration and emigration in a historical, economic and social context through research, archives, conferences or colloquia and exhibitions. . (…)
The fact that there is a multitude of associations and cultural institutes representing the different communities living on Luxembourg soil, also testifies to the multicultural reality of Luxembourg society.” [5] One such association is Mir wëllen iech ons Heemecht weisen (We want to show you our homeland) which aims to stimulate intercultural dialogue between Luxembourg residents and newcomers.
Intercultural dialogue is also a unifying element of Esch2022, European Capital of Culture.
[1] Georges Hausemer (2008) A propos…du Luxembourg multiculturel
[2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+IM-PRESS+20081127IPR43171+FR+DOC+PDF+V0//FR
[3] Les partis de la coalition DP, LSAP et déi gréng (2018) Accord de coalition 2018-2023, p.88
[4] Kulturentwécklungsplang eBook 1.0 – Septembre 2018, Volume 1, p.85
[5] http://culture.luxembourg.public.lu/Info.Monde_Integration_Festival_OMNI.10-2.html#3
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