The first resident artists at Villa 31 x Art Explora, Gonzato: Art and culture at the heart of Albania’s EU membership process

“Creative Europe” is one of the most successful programs, empowering artists, connecting cultural institutions, and helping to tell the story of Europe in all its diversity.

Once symbolizing isolation and repression, but the dictator’s villa in the heart of Tirana has today transformed into a space for free cultural expression, artistic experimentation, and artist exchange thanks to the exemplary synergy between the French government, ArtExplora, the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, and the EU’s Creative Europe Program.

At the ceremony marking the establishment of the first resident artists in this building, the European Union ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, expressed pride that the EU contributes to this project and helps Albanian artists connect with colleagues across the region and the European continent.

“This is European integration through culture,” he stated.

“Creative Europe” is one of the programs, not only the most successful, but it empowers artists, connects cultural institutions, and helps us tell the story of Europe in all its diversity. Today Europe is helping to connect Albanian artists with their colleagues in Europe and the entire continent. This means European integration through culture, when people come together long before membership negotiations are completed,” Gonzato said.

“Art and culture are not a peripheral part of Albania’s EU membership process, but are at its heart, because artists and all those who work for creativity help transform societies to become member states. By being open, they bring critical reflection, critical thinking, freedom of speech, and innovation,” Gonzato said.

Therefore, he added, “the EU and Albania are working hard with artists and cultural institutions. We want to make the connection with creativity, but also with the foundational values of the EU.”

 “This is why the EU in Albania has decided to celebrate Europe Week with the Albanian artistic community. This May, from the 19th to the 31st, Albanian artists will be at the center of the stage, sharing their visions and contributing to shaping a future rooted in the values of the EU,” continued the European Union ambassador in Albania, Silvio Gonzato.