ERIACNET4EU: ERIAC NETWORK TO ADVANCE ROMA INCLUSION BY COMBATTING AND PREVENTING ANTIGYPSYISM IN THE EU
#ERIACNET4EU
In the frame of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union, ERIAC is launching a new project: ERIACNET4EU: ERIAC NETWORK TO ADVANCE ROMA INCLUSION BY COMBATTING AND PREVENTING ANTIGYPSYISM IN THE EU.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
With the adoption of the new EU Roma Framework, the EU and its member states move towards implementation where expert advice as well as reliable partners on all levels of policy-making and implementation (local, regional, national, European) are needed.
ERIACNET4EU project will offer the expertise, specific know-how and reliable methodologies to support the implementation of the new framework.
ERIACNET4EU project aims at protecting, promoting and raising awareness of rights of Roma citizens of the EU and thereby at strengthening the EU values, in particular of equality, justice and non-discrimination and thus contributing to building a more democratic EU where all citizens can enjoy equal access and protection of their rights. It aims to do so by providing support to ERIAC network members, including civil society organizations active at local, regional and transnational level, to increase their capacities, establish channels of communication and participation with public authorities and EU institutions to ensure their active engagement in policy implementation and design targeting Roma. At the same time, it will result in providing informed, reliable, consolidated and quality input to European and national policy-makers and public institutions, to increase the effective implementation of strategies and laws that affect the lives of Roma in the EU.
ERIACNET4EU serves the following objectives:
Ensure quality input to policy-making and policy-implementation at local, regional, national and EU levels through mutual learning and exchange of good practices among/ between ERIAC members as well as with other public and private stakeholders
Awareness raising, information and dissemination activities
Increasing capacities and knowledge-base of members and other stakeholders through training activities
Growing the network and community outreach
Do you have any questions regarding ERIACNET4EU project? Feel free to reach out to us at eriac@eriac.org
ERIACNET4EU 2023 Higlights
“ROMA(NI) PAST – EUROPE’S FUTURE. WHY EMBRACING EU’S LARGEST ETHNIC MINORITY MATTERS”
TRAINING ON ROMANI HISTORY AND CULTURE
SEPTEMBER 13 2023,
10.00-17.00 EEST / 09.00-16.00 CET
WEST UNIVERSITY TIMISOARA
Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan 4, Timișoara 300223, Romania
The Roma (commonly referred to as “Gypsies” which is an ethnic slur) have been part of the European and national histories and cultural landscapes for over 700 years. Today, the Roma constitute the biggest ethnic minority in Europe with some 10 million citizens in the EU and a global diaspora of over 15 million people. Yet, despite their centuries-old presence, the Roma remain largely unknown to majority societies. As a people, the Roma are mostly thought of and treated as a social problem, perceived through the prism of marginalization, exclusion and poverty. Moreover, the Roma today are the most stigmatized and the least accepted minority group in the EU; diverse manifestations of antigypsyism – the specific form of racism against the Roma people – are a regrettable feature of the daily lives of Roma in Europe. On the other hand, however, the Roma remains a highly resilient and creative population whose diverse contributions to European social, cultural, economic, political, artistic, and even linguistic fields are yet to be acknowledged and embraced.
In the frame of ERIACNET4EU project, ERIAC is offering a trainingcourse on Romani culture and history entitled “ROMA(NI) PAST – EUROPE’S FUTURE. WHY EMBRACING EU’S LARGEST ETHNIC MINORITY MATTERS”. This training course will provide a brief overview of Romani history and culture as a point of departure to reflect on the social, political, cultural, economic and environmental importance of positioning Roma at the core of EU’s public debates regarding our societal futures. The training, organized in connection to the Timisoara European Capital of Culture 2023, is specifically tailored for members of staff of public administration and of the European Union Institutions. The course will explore the difficult, sensitive or contentious issues related to Roma and antigypsyism, and help identify and incorporate human rights concerns into the work of public officials. This year, the training will specifically target Romanian public authorities by hosting a specific session dedicated to the history and culture of Roma in Romania. Speakers of other sessions will be invited to incorporate specific examples which illustrate the Romanian context. To enable participation, the training will provide simultaneous Romanian-English translation.
The course will be delivered by a group of experienced Romani scholars, with relevant expertise in the field, including knowledge of the most recent discussions in Romani Studies as well as most recent Roma-related EU and Romanian developments. The training is divided into the following thematic segments:
“Introduction to Romani history and identity” by Dr. Adrian Marsch
“Roma culture – Europe’s heritage” by Dr. Rosemary Cisneros
“Antigypsyism in theory and practice – unpacking different dimensions of racism against Roma communities” by Dr. Iulius Rostas
“From Roma Resistance to Roma Agency” by Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka
“Roma in Romania – from slavery to emancipation” by Dr. Ioan Valentin Negoi and Adela Bobu
Language of training: English and Romanian (simultaneous translation will be provided).
Training will be held in a hybrid format, physically at the West University in Timisoara, and online. Participation is open and free of charge.
Romii (numiți în mod obișnuit ț*****, ceea ce reprezintă o insultă etnică) fac parte din istoria și peisajul cultural european și național de peste 700 de ani. În prezent, romii constituie cea mai mare minoritate etnică din Europa, cu aproximativ 10 milioane de cetățeni în UE și o diasporă globală de peste 15 milioane de persoane. Cu toate acestea, în ciuda prezenței lor vechi de secole, romii rămân în mare parte necunoscuți de societățile majoritare. Ca popor, romii sunt în general considerați și tratați ca o problemă socială, percepută prin prisma marginalizării, a excluderii și a sărăciei. Mai mult, romii sunt astăzi cel mai stigmatizat și cel mai puțin acceptat grup minoritar din UE; diversele manifestări de antigypsism – forma specifică de rasism împotriva romilor – sunt o caracteristică regretabilă a vieții de zi cu zi a romilor din Europa. Pe de altă parte, romii rămân totuși o populație extrem de rezistentă și creativă, ale cărei contribuții diverse la domeniile sociale, culturale, economice, politice, artistice și chiar lingvistice europene nu au fost încă recunoscute.
În cadrul proiectului ERIACNET4EU, ERIAC oferă un curs de formare privind cultura și istoria romilor, intitulat “TRECUTUL ROMILOR – VIITORUL EUROPEI. DE CE ESTE IMPORTANT SĂ NE APROPIEM DE CEA MAI MARE MINORITATE ETNICĂ DIN UE“. Acest training va oferi o scurtă prezentare generală a istoriei și culturii romilor, ca punct de plecare pentru a reflecta asupra importanței sociale, politice, culturale, economice și de mediu a poziționării romilor în centrul dezbaterilor publice din UE privind viitorul societății noastre. Formarea, organizată în legătură cu Timișoara Capitală Europeană a Culturii 2023, este special concepută pentru membrii personalului din administrația publică și din instituțiile Uniunii Europene. Trainingul va explora aspectele dificile, sensibile sau controversate legate de romi și de antigypsism și va contribui la identificarea și încorporarea preocupărilor legate de drepturile omului în activitatea funcționarilor publici. În acest an, trainingul se va adresa în mod special autorităților publice din România, găzduind o sesiune specifică dedicată istoriei și culturii romilor din România. Vorbitorii celorlalte sesiuni vor fi invitați să includă exemple specifice care să ilustreze contextul românesc. Pentru a încuraja participarea, cursul de formare va oferi traducere simultană română-engleză.
Cursul va fi ținut de un grup de cercetători romi cu experiență, cu o expertiză relevantă în domeniu, inclusiv cunoștințe despre cele mai recente discuții din domeniul studiilor romilor, precum și despre cele mai recente evoluții din UE și din România legate de romi. Cursul este împărțit în următoarele segmente tematice:
“Introducere în istoria și identitatea romilor” de Dr. Adrian Marsch
“Cultura romă – moștenirea Europei” de Dr. Rosemary Cisneros
“Antigypsism în teorie și practică – prezentarea diferitelor dimensiuni ale rasismului împotriva comunităților rome” de Dr. Iulius rostas
“De la rezistența romilor la agenția romilor” de Dr. anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka
“Romii din România – de la sclavie la emancipare” de Dr. Ioan Valentin Negoi și Adela Bobu
Limba de desfășurare a cursului: Engleză și română (se va asigura traducere simultană). Cursul se va desfășura într-un format hibrid, fizic la Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara și online. Participarea este deschisă și gratuită.
Evenimentul face parte din proiectul ERIACNET4EU – ERIAC Network pentru promovarea incluziunii romilor prin combaterea și prevenirea antigypsism-ului în UE.
The event is part of the project ERIACNET4EU – ERIAC Network to Advance Roma Inclusion by Combatting and Preventing Antigypsyism in the EU.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | ERIACNET4EU GRANT: Protect and Promote EU Values and Rights
Application Deadline: June 17, 2023
In the frame of the ERIANCET4EU project financed by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union, and with a long-term goal of using culture and cultural diplomacy to strengthen open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive society in EU, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) is inviting applications from its member organizations based in the EUthat seek to change narratives about Roma in Europe through advocacy, cultural diplomacy and intercultural exchange between Roma and non-Roma.
General objective of the call is to strengthen capacity to protect and promote EU rights and values and increase citizen awareness of EU rights and values. We are looking for projects with a clear European dimension that:
strengthen capacity to protect and promote EU rights and values and increase citizen awareness of EU rights and values
contribute to the fight and prevention of antigypsyism, by employing counter-narratives through arts, culture, history, education and the media and a higher degree of Roma participation and self-representation,
advocate for Roma cultural inclusion and a holistic and preventive approach to fighting antigypsyism and in doing so contribute to policy-making processes affecting the Roma,
strengthen the organisations and leaders in the Roma movement through networking and collaboration between Roma and non-Roma led civil society organisations,
challenge dominant, harmful narratives about Roma and present alternate narratives that incorporate culture and Romani contribution to the EU and seek to broaden the base of supportive allies.
GRANT STRUCTURE
The grants will be awarded for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum ofone-year period projects through the following tranches:
Small Scale Projects in between 5.000 – 10.000 EUR;
Medium Scale Projects of 15.000 EUR;
Large Scale Projects of 20.000 EUR;
How to apply?
Proposal can be submitted between April 7, 2023 – June 17, 2023. Applications received later will not be considered.
Applicants are required to submit an application in English via the online application form.
In case of questions, please reach out to ERIAC via eriac@eriac.org writing in the Subject Line: ERIAC Grant
PERIPHERIES UNITE! PUBLIC DEBATE
Peripheries Unite! With the occasion of 16 MAY – Day of Romani Resistance, we have opened a public discussion on cultural resistance, social justice and the potential of alliances across movements in Europe.
In the frame of ERIACNET4EUproject, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) brought together the experts Emilia Roig (author and scholar), Director of the Center for Intersectional Justice, Tayo Awosusi-Onutor (singer/activist), Board of Directors of RomaniPhen, and Anna Mirga (author/activist), Deputy director of ERIAC, for “Peripheries Unite!” – a transdisciplinary discussion on the potential of building bridges across movements to advance with the common struggle of building a fair, peaceful and more inclusive Europe for all.
Today, millions of Europeans experience multiple discrimination due to intersecting dimensions of identity, including race, ethnicity, sexual identity and orientation, religion, class, nationality and citizen status, among others. Prevalent discrimination – including specific types of racism such as antigypsyism or Afrophobia, as well as islamophobia, homophobia and sexism– push European citizens to the margins of society by seriously impeding their access to equal rights and opportunities.
Roma – the biggest ethnic minority in the EU – are among the most discriminated against groups. Likewise, Europeans of African descent, Jews, Muslims and persons belonging to the LGBTIQ community face widespread discrimination. Each of these populations has been forging civic movements of their own to fight for equality and social justice. In this process, they have employed diverse strategies of resisting oppression, building political power and empowering their communities.
The public debate hosted by ERIAC will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences between different minority groups, pointing to striking similarities between communities and their struggles. Such discussion is both necessary and timely. As the agency of those belonging to minority groups grows, they claim their rightful place at the centre of social, political and economic affairs on national and international levels.
ERIAC provides a platform for Roma and representatives of other minority groups in Europe to reflect together on strategies for building solidarity and closer collaboration across diverse social movements, united around the same values of social justice, inclusivity and respect.
The event is part of the public discussion series „Promoting European Values Through Cultural Heritage” of ERIACNET4EU – ERIAC Network to Advance Roma Inclusion by Combatting and Preventing Antigypsyism in the EU.
BRINGING THE EU CLOSE TO ROMA – WEAVING ROMA CULTURE INTO THE FABRIC OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Date: April 22, 2023
Topic: Public discussion on sustainable development
Location: Timisoara, Romania (hybrid event) Time: 15.00 – 17.00 (CET)
In the frame of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union, ERIAC is leading the initiative ERIACNET4EU! With the adoption of the new EU Roma Framework, the EU and its member states move towards implementation where expert advice, as well as reliable partners on all levels of policy-making and implementation (local, regional, national, European), are needed. ERIAC and its wide and distinguished membership together with an alliance of donors- and partner organizations feed expertise, specific know-how, and reliable methodologies to support the implementation of the new framework.
The radicality, progressive and professional quality of this initiative lies within the responsibility and leadership Roma took for providing informed, reliable, consolidated, and quality input to European and national policy-makers and public institutions, to increase the effective implementation of strategies and laws that affect the lives of Roma in the EU!
In the month of April 2023, ERIAC prepared a line of high-quality public events to celebrate Roma pride, self-determination and contribution to European and national histories and cultures.
For this event – in the frame of the ᴛɪᴍɪꜱᴏᴀʀᴀ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴀʟ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴜʟᴛᴜʀᴇ – the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC, www.eriac.org) brings together Roma and non-Roma experts and policymakers for a forward-looking transdisciplinary discussion on the role of culture in achieving sustainable development in Europe.
Our speakers: Alexandru Fechete (Radio Pata), Lestat Monroe (Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce), Istvan Szakats (Radio Pata), Jasmina Usainovic (Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative), Alexandru Zemfir (Roma Education Fund). Moderated by Timea Junghaus (ERIAC)
The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture e.V. (ERIAC) is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe, the Open Society Foundations, and the Roma Leaders’ initiative – the Alliance for the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture.
ERIAC THEMATIC SECTION DISCUSSIONS
Dates: 23 & 24 March 2023
Topic: Membership Online Meetings on the role of community, collective celebration of Roma people’s labor, creativity, and intellect.
At ERIAC, we truly believe that the ERIAC membership community is our source of strength and pride. In
2023, ERIAC is inviting the entire ERIAC membership community to come closer together by providing a
safe space for critical reflection, brainstorming and cooperation.
The meetings were held with the support of the ERIAC Board and Barvalipe Academy members, the ERIAC thematic section coordinators and the ERIAC management.
CALENDAR THEMATIC SECTION DISCUSSIONS 2023:
1. Arts and Culture
March 23, 2023 // 12:30 – 2:00 PM CET 2. Knowledge Production
March 23, 2023 // 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM CET 3. History and Commemoration
March 23, 2023 // 3:30 – 5:00 PM CET 4. Media and Information
March 24, 2023 // 2:00 – 3:30 PM CET 5. Romani Language
March 24, 2023 // 3:30 – 5:00 PM CET
ABOUT THE ERIAC MEMBERSHIP DISCUSSION MEETINGS
ERIAC membership is our source of strength and pride. ERIAC membership is also a resource: activating
knowledge and expertise, ideas and recommendations, network and connections of individual and
institutional members for collective purpose on the field of Roma arts and culture. It is for this reason
that in 2023 ERIAC is inviting the entire ERIAC membership community to come closer together by
providing a safe space for critical reflection, brainstorming and cooperation.
Objectives:
Provide a space for ERIAC Associate Members to become familiar with ERIAC Project Activities
Sharing the results from the ERIAC Survey – V. General Assembly follow up
Develop thematic priorities for each section
ERIAC Call for Members 2023
Information on ERIAC’s Launch Call for Grants 2023
Build shared understanding on ERIAC’s 2023 Collaborations
Develop a collective purpose on the field of Roma arts and culture
Facilitate the involvement of members in ERIAC programming
The ERIAC membership meeting series will be developed through a cooperation between ERIAC
statutory organs, ERIAC management and ERIAC section facilitators.
ERIACNET4EU 2022 Higlights
V. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Date: December 8-9, 2022 Location: Berlin (hybrid event) Topic: V. General Assembly Meeting of ERIAC Members and Annual Networking Event
On December 8-9, 2022, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) held its V General Assembly meeting, which took place in a hybrid form – physically in ERIAC Office, Berlin and online via ZOOM. For this meeting, all ERIAC statutory bodies, including ERIAC Board members, ERIAC Barvalipe Academy members, ERIAC associate members, and the ERIAC staff came together. for the nourishing ritual of reflection and hatching new plans. The meeting was envisioned as a two-day-long respite, a dwelling where our community could flourish and collectively celebrate Roma people’s labor, creativity, and intellect.
On December 9, we closed the Assembly with a vernissage of the exhibition Woman to Woman showcasing works of Małgorzata Mirga-Tas and Eugen Raportoru. Presenting the works of artists who stole the hearts of art connoisseurs from all over the world at the 59th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, was the best way to close what we started to call the Golden Year of Romani Arts. The in-person attendees were also able to enjoy the party with live music featuring The Pillers, Gipsy Groove and Dj Nomi.
ROMA(NI) PAST – EUROPE’S FUTURE. WHY EMBRACING EU’S LARGEST ETHNIC MINORITY MATTERS
Date: October 14, 2022 Time: 10.00 – 17.00 (CET), ZOOM Topic: Online course on Romani culture
Roma have been part of the European and national histories and cultural landscapes for at least 700 years. Today, Roma constitute the largest ethnic minority in Europe with some 10 million citizens, and a global diaspora of over 15 million people. Yet despite the centuries-old presence, Roma remain largely unknown to majority societies. As a people, Roma are mostly thought of and treated as a social problem, perceived through the prism of marginalization, exclusion and poverty. Moreover, Roma today are the most stigmatized and discriminated minority in the EU; diverse manifestations of antigypsyism – the specific form of racism against Roma people – are a regrettable feature of daily lives of Roma in Europe. On the other hand, however, Roma remain a highly resilient and creative population whose diverse contributions to European social, cultural, economic, political, artistic, and even linguistic fields are yet to be acknowledged and embraced.
This online course provided a brief overview of Roma history and culture as a point of departure to reflect on the social, political, cultural, economic and environmental importance of positioning Roma at the core of EU’s public debates regarding our societal futures. The course explored the difficult, sensitive or contentious issues related to Roma and antigypsyism, and help identify and incorporate human rights concerns into the work of public officers at local, regional, national or EU level.
Trainers: Zeljko Jovanovic, Timea Junghaus, Dr Adrian R. Marsh, Isabela Mihalache, Dr Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, Dr Iulius Rostas. Moderator: Dr Ioaninda Costache.
Topic: Bringing the EU close to Roma – information session on the role of the EU in Roma inclusion efforts, outlining opportunities for participation and funding
possibilities
ERIACNET4EU network project aims at protecting, promoting and raising awareness of rights of Roma citizens of the EU and thereby at strengthening the EU values, in particular of equality, justice and non-discrimination and thus contributing to building a more democratic EU where all citizens can enjoy equal access and protection of their rights. The ERIACNET4EU project will offer expertise, specific know-how and reliable methodologies to support the implementation of the new EU Romaframework.
Speakers: Violeta Naydenova (Open Society Foundations), Ciprian Necula (Roma Education Fund), Rosa Cisneros (Weave), Petrica Dulgheru (Roma Entrepreneurship Development), Isabela Mihalache (ERGO), Iulius Rostas (Expert on EU policy), Neda Korunovska (Open Society Foundations RIO)
15:30 Introduction by ERIAC on the background and the purpose of the meeting
Welcome remarks by Gilda Horvath, ERIAC Board
Why are we having an ERIACWOMNET meeting?
What do we understand under female leadership?
Why is female leadership important to us?
15:40 Short overview on statistics of women % (visualized) in ERIAC membership by Timea Junghaus
15:50 Inspirations of ERIAC female leaders/ shortly
Ethel Brooks
Lavinia Banu
16:15 Opportunities for ERIAC women members
How to be involved?
How to attract more women to become members?
How to contribute?
How to empower each other?
How to support?
16:50 Conclusions and next steps
PROJECT LAUNCH
ONLINE EVENT
Date: February 28, 2022 Time: 15:00 – 16:40 CET
As part of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union, ERIAC is launching a new project: ERIACNET4EU: ERIAC NETWORK TO ADVANCE ROMA INCLUSION BY COMBATTING AND PREVENTING ANTIGYPSYISM IN THE EU.
The project aims at protecting, promoting and raising awareness of rights of Roma citizens of the EU and thereby at strengthening the EU values, in particular of equality, justice and non-discrimination and thus contributing to building a more democratic EU where all citizens can enjoy equal access and protection of their rights. ERIACNET4EU will offer the expertise, specific know-how and reliable methodologies to support the implementation of the new EU Roma framework by focusing on strategies and methodologies to prevent and combat antigypsyism.
On February 28 2022, at 15:00 CET, we are hosting an online public launching event of the project, envisaged as a space for reflection on confronting antigypsyism for a peaceful and sustainable Europe.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
