“The Colors of Latin America: Preserving Traditional Arts & Heritage in a Multicultural World”
(Berlin; August 14th - 16th, 2013)

The countries of Latin America play host to a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The Iberian colonization of large parts of the South American continent in the 16th century led to the introduction of French, Spanish, and Portuguese culture in the region, and this mélange, (strengthened even further by the cultural remnants of pre-Columbian civilizations, the influx of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the introduction of Africans to the continent), has led to the development of one of the most clear-cut examples of a cultural melting pot in current existence. This is not to say, however, that the “cultures” of this expansive area have blended into one universal cultural paradigm: the diverse range of peoples across the South American continent have often maintained important elements of their own personal cultures, while also adapting aspects of the wide-reaching regional cultural identity, possessing a multitude of languages, dialects, religious beliefs, and popular cultures aspects.

Given the multitude of cultural identities present across Latin America, there has been increasing concern about the preservation of cultures on the continent, particularly in light of the recent destruction and deterioration of Aztec and Mayan cultural heritage sights in the region. Furthermore, as the full effects of globalization continue to be realized and Latin American becomes an increasingly prosperous economic power on the world stage, there exists fears that the countries of the continent could become westernized, diluting their own cultures in the process.

Conference Location
Based in Berlin, the conference will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.de/index.php?en_iscd-2013

For more information please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy/index.php?en_2013-iscd_la