INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM 2025
Romani Language Initiative
In 2025, the Romani Language Initiative continued its comprehensive and strategic approach to promoting the language, based on the Council of Europe’s curriculum. Textbooks for levels A1 to B1 were further distributed and tested, while the B2 textbook, comprising of five units, was intensively developed. Simultaneously, the Romani Language Council was strengthened as a platform for exchange and research. The harmonization of various dialects was advanced through expert consultations. A key element was the organization of the annual international language conference, “Safeguarding Our Romani Language.” The focus was on language rights, education, and social inclusion. Literature and cultural content were strategically integrated into the learning process. The initiative supported the reclaiming of the language within Roma communities and contributed to the long-term development of sustainable educational structures. Overall, it strengthened Romani’s position as a vibrant European language. The international Romani Language Conference took place in Berlin on November 5, 2025, and was organized jointly with the Council of Europe. The Romani Language Council reconvened at the conference. The importance of literature and cultural production was particularly emphasized. Dialect harmonization was also a key topic of discussion. Educational policy issues and institutional support were central to the discussions. A significant milestone was the progress made in the two-year process of establishing the Romani PEN Center. The event was held in a hybrid format, enabling broad international participation. Various panels provided a forum for exchange between academia, policymakers, and practitioners. The conference fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders and strengthened international networking in the field of the Romani language.
Romani PEN Center
In 2025, significant progress was made toward launching the Romani PEN Center as a new literary platform that would serve as a shared space for authors, poets, and translators. Collaboration with PEN International played a central role in this process and was part of this two-year institutionalization effort. Two important meetings took place during the year, during which a steering committee was formed. At the conference on safeguarding the Romani language on November 5, the founding members signed the PEN Charter and drafted the statutes of the future Romani PEN Center in the presence of PEN International Vice President Carles Torner. Literature was emphasized as an essential instrument for preserving the language. Children’s literature, in particular, was considered important for language transmission. The initiative specifically strengthens Roma authorship and cultural self-representation. It promotes international collaboration in the literary field. Simultaneously, a sustainable infrastructure for Romani literature is being established. The goal is to ensure the long-term visibility and recognition of Romani and Sinti literature.
Triennale di Milano (Roma Pavilion, Mailand)
The Roma Pavilion, presented at the Triennale di Milano under the title “Motherland Otherland,” addressed key questions of identity and belonging. The exhibition provided Roma artists with an international platform for their work. It was curated by an international team and actively supported by ERIAC. The works presented addressed migration, memory, and cultural identity. The exhibition achieved high international visibility and attracted a broad audience. A total of approximately 350,000 people visited the Triennale. Educational programs for students were also organized. Interactive and performative elements were part of the program as well. The pavilion contributed to a greater presence of Roma art in international institutions. Overall, the project represented an important step toward cultural recognition.
Berlin Biennale
ERIAC participated in the Berlin Biennale with the exhibition “Holding Ground,” which explored resilience and cultural memory. Several Roma artists presented their work in the ERIAC building: Lajos “Lali” Gabor (Romania), Katariina Lillqvist (Finland), Dan Turner (United Kingdom), and Ceija Stojka (Austria). The exhibition addressed historical experiences and current challenges faced by Roma communities. Collaborations with international partner institutions were successfully implemented. Art was presented as a means of resistance and self-assertion. The exhibition understood resilience as an active and creative process. A closing event with a panel discussion focused on the role of art in times of global crises (with the participation of art critic Marita Muukkonen, curators Zasha Colah and Valentina Viviani, and artist Selma Selman). Approximately 700 visitors attended the exhibition during its run. The project provided a space for dialogue and reflection. Overall, it strengthened the visibility of Roma art within the international art scene.
Cannes International Film Festival – Marché du Film
ERIAC participated in the Marché du Film at the Cannes International Film Festival to enhance the presence of Roma filmmakers and foster new collaborations. During the event, over 60 meetings were organized with industry representatives. A key element was the presentation of a film pitch deck featuring 12 projects. These projects received more than 100 expressions of interest. Numerous networking opportunities were also created and utilized. Two filmmakers, Vera Lacková and Sami Mustafa, received targeted support for their participation. The initiative contributed to the international visibility of Roma filmmakers and established new partnerships in the audiovisual sector. Overall, ERIAC solidified its role as a key player in the film industry. ERIAC presented its advisory and guidance program for non-Roma filmmakers addressing Roma-related issues. The initiative, officially launched in Cannes, outlines a structured advisory framework designed to promote more ethical, informed, and responsible storytelling practices. Through consultation, expertise, and dialogue, the program supports inclusive and respectful portrayals of the lives and history of Roma and Sinti on screen, while simultaneously fostering closer collaboration between Roma and non-Roma professionals in the audiovisual sector.
Critical Romani Studies Journal
A new issue of the journal Critical Romani Studies Journal was published in 2025 and focused on the topic of “Racism and Romani Studies.” The issue is freely accessible and aimed at academia, policymakers, and civil society. It analyzes structural antigypsyism from historical and contemporary perspectives. Several international authors contributed to the publication. Its goal is to promote critical knowledge production in the field of Romani Studies. This issue challenges existing narratives and power structures. An online launch took place in December, bringing together experts and combining academic and activist approaches. The publication contributes to the visibility of Roma perspectives in research and strengthens the academic discourse on Romani issues.
Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize
The Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize was awarded in Bucharest in 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions to Roma culture. Five finalists were selected by an international jury: Coco Reyes (Spain), Noell Maggini (Italy), Selma Selman (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Sead Kazanxhiu (Albania), and Riah Knight (United Kingdom). The winner was the artist Selma Selman. The prize, worth €10,000, was funded by the ERIAC membership. The event attracted several hundred guests. An extensive artistic program accompanied the award ceremony, featuring singer Zejna Murkic (Serbia), violinist Antonio Picuelata (Romania), and Mahala Rai Banda. The gala was also streamed online, reaching a wide audience. Media coverage generated significant international attention. The prize enhances the visibility of Roma artists worldwide and contributes to the promotion of cultural excellence.
Engaging, Activating, and Strategically Developing ERIAC Membership
During the reporting period, ERIAC strengthened member engagement through the systematic collection and analysis of feedback from all five sections. The evaluation of section meeting minutes and in-depth discussions with section coordinators ensured a comprehensive and horizontal input that facilitated the identification of key challenges.