Art universities in search of funds: UNATC calls for concrete solutions for financing artistic research at European level

UNATC Rector Liviu Lucaci, together with a delegation of 20 representatives of the National University of Theatre and Cinematography, participated last week in the conference "Theatre and Cinematographic Arts in the European Union: Challenges, Opportunities and Cultural Diplomacy in Vulnerable Areas". The event brought together European institutional actors and performing arts professionals, in the context of discussions on the EU's cultural directions.

"I received an invitation for myself and a team of 20 UNATC representatives, the aim being to identify funding solutions and opportunities related to the European Commission's priorities for the development of culture and art", said Liviu Lucaci. According to him, the UNATC delegation presented its point of view on European cultural policies and discussed concrete ways of supporting artistic education institutions. The UNATC Rector met with Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Roxana Mânzatu, Vice-President of the European Commission. The discussions aimed at strengthening institutional communication and identifying a European support framework for art universities. The UNATC delegation also had a meeting with Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner responsible for research and innovation. The central topic of the discussion was the creation of funding mechanisms for artistic research and interdisciplinary productions, with an emphasis on the role of the artist as a cultural mediator at European level. According to the Rector, one of the main topics addressed at the meeting with representatives of the Creative Europe program was "the lack of adequate funding for theater and performing arts, although they have a significant impact both in Romania and in the community space." UNATC supported the need for the future European funding framework to include lines dedicated to the development of performing arts, arguing through the scale of festivals and massive audience participation. The agenda of discussions also included emerging themes, such as the use of theater and film in support of mental health, alternative pedagogies, applications of new technologies in art, as well as the ethical use of artificial intelligence in theater and cinema. "All these topics are part of the UNATC philosophy: art reflects nature and serves man, being an essential tool in understanding the fundamental truths of the human condition. Theater is an instrument of defending democracy,” emphasized Liviu Lucaci, advocating for interdisciplinary programs through which artists can contribute to shaping resilient social models.