We Are Europe - Opening

Elevate´s 12th festival edition focuses on the challenges faced by a Europe more and more defined by growing inequality, fear and a resurgence of nationalism. How could the current crisis be transformed into an opportunity for a democratization and profound transformation of the European Union? Which initiatives working for positive change can citizens join? Which roles do artists, culture and cooperation play?

Inspiring critical thinkers, activists and artists speak about their work and offer a preview of Elevate´s upcoming events. Among them award-winning journalist and leading WikiLeaks member Sarah Harrison, philosopher and co-founder of the pan-European Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 (DiEM25) Srećko Horvath and spoken word legend Saul Williams. Representatives of Elevate´s We Are Europe partner festivals are welcomed on stage as well.

For the first time a concert is part of the opening event as well: composer Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith presents her new record EARS. Expect a captivating experience of experimental futuristic sounds.