Cold War, Hot Topics!

Recap of the Workshop: Iron Curtains or Artistic Gates? Communism and Cultural Diplomacy in the Global South (1945-1991 and Beyond)

The organizers, Anna-Marie Kroupová and Noémie Étienne, are delighted to share a recap of the highly successful workshop, "Iron Curtains or Artistic Gates? Communism and Cultural Diplomacy in the Global South (1945-1991 and Beyond)," held on September 19-20, 2024, at the Hochzeitsoktogon in Vienna’s Belvedere Museum.

This two-day event brought together an incredible group of scholars, researchers, and cultural experts from around the world to discuss the vital role of art and cultural diplomacy during the Cold War, particularly focusing on its influence in the Global South. The central question of the workshop—whether cultural exchanges between communist states and the Global South functioned as ideological tools or as genuine platforms for cross-cultural dialogue—sparked rich discussions and debates.

The organizers are especially proud of the intellectual depth and collaborative spirit that characterized the event. Participants examined the complexity of Cold War cultural diplomacy, addressing topics such as the flow of artistic ideas, state-sponsored exhibitions, and how various nations engaged with and influenced one another despite ideological barriers. These conversations not only deepened our understanding of historical interactions but also opened up fresh perspectives on the relevance of cultural diplomacy in today’s world.

Anna-Marie and Noémie are immensely grateful to all the speakers and participants whose hard work and thoughtful contributions made this conference such a resounding success. A special thank you goes to those who traveled from different corners of the globe to participate, creating a truly international dialogue. The exchange of ideas over the course of the workshop will no doubt inspire further research and collaboration, pushing forward new approaches in this field.

The workshop’s success lies in its importance to current academic and cultural research, particularly in terms of expanding our understanding of how art and politics intertwined in the context of the Cold War. It highlighted the need for more research into how these historical processes continue to shape global relations and cultural interactions today. The organizers are thrilled by the momentum this event has generated and are excited to see how the discussions that began here will influence future work in this area.

Once again, Anna-Marie and Noémie would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who took part in this event. It was an unforgettable experience, and they look forward to seeing the many ways in which the conversations and collaborations sparked at the workshop will continue to develop.