Celebrate the deepening ties between the United Kingdom and Albania through a week-long festival of culture, innovation, and collaboration. This dynamic programme showcases how our two countries are working together as Partners for Progress, fostering mutual understanding, shared learning, and creative exchange.
Programme
Title: BED: A Provocative Performance Art Installation
Description: Experience a thought-provoking performance by UK artist Jez Dolan at NAAN Gallery, Tirana. This powerful homage to Derek Jarman's 1989 installation explores LGBTQIA+ representation and societal progress, showcasing how artistic collaboration can drive social change in both our countries.
Location: NAAN Gallery, Tirana
Date and Time: 16 September 2024, 19:00 – 22:00
Open to the public.
Title: Master Class with Mike Figgis
Description: Join acclaimed filmmaker Mike Figgis for a workshop about how to make movies on a tight budget with minimal equipment. The event nurtures the next generation of filmmakers and is a valuable knowledge transfer between UK and Albanian film industries.
Location: Agimi Art Centre & Cinema, Tirana
Date and Time: 17 September 2024, 18:00
By invitation only.
Title: Towards Innovative Culture Policy: UK, Sweden, and Albania in Dialogue
Description: A groundbreaking conference bringing together international experts to share best practices in arts legislation. This event exemplifies our commitment to regional cooperation and the development of a thriving creative sector across the Balkans.
Location: Main Hall of Piramida, Tirana
Date and Time: 18 September 2024, 10:00 – 12:30
By invitation only
Title: Strengthening UK-Albania Partnership in Visual Arts: A Public Meeting with Gilly Campbell
Description: An open discussion on enhancing collaboration between the UK and Albania’s visual arts sectors. Special guest Gilly Campbell from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland will share insights on grant distribution and fostering artistic growth.
Location: Piramida, Tirana
Date and Time: 19 September 2024, 10:00 – 15:00
By invitation only.
Title: Coding the Future: Micro:bits and Youth Empowerment
Description: Witness the transformative power of UK-Albanian cooperation in education and technology. Students from northern Albania demonstrate their new skills gained through the Alternative Pathways project, showcasing how our partnership is preparing the next generation for a digital future.
Location: YES Centre of New Perspectives Project, Has
Date and Time: 19 September 2024, 11:00 – 14:00
Open to the public.
Title: UK Film: The Visionary World of Mike Figgis
Description: Join acclaimed filmmaker Mike Figgis for an exclusive screening of Figgis’s signature film, Timecode, followed by an inspiring discussion on experimental film production.
Location: Agimi Art Centre & Cinema, Tirana
Date and Time: 19 September 2024, 19:00
Open to the public.
Title: Species x Rebel Community: Cross-Cultural Beats Dancing for UK-Albania Friendship
Description: Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing fusion of electronic beats featuring top acts from the UK and Albania. This event showcases the vibrant talent from both countries, celebrating the power of music to create new, exciting artistic collaborations and strengthen international friendships.
Location: Minus 1 car parking, Skanderbeg Square, Tirana
Date and Time: 20 September 2024, 22:00 – 03:00
Purchase your tickets here.
Title: Starburster: A UK Inspired Advanced Textile Expo
Description: Explore the creativity born from our cultural partnership as talented Albanian fashion students showcase designs inspired by UK artists. This exhibition demonstrates how international inspiration fuels local innovation.
Location: Children’s Cultural Centre, Durrës
Date and Time: 21 and 22 September 2024, 11:00
Open to the public.
Title: Freedom and Transformation Festival: Day 1
Description: Engage with inspiring speakers including Lea Ypi, Sir Noel Malcolm, Olivia Sudjic, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, and Misha Glenny on topics ranging from shared history to human rights. This intellectual exchange underscores our commitment to fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding.
Location: Children's Cultural Centre, Durrës
Date and Time: 21 September 2024, 13:00 – 19:00
Purchase your tickets here.
Title: Freedom and Transformation Festival: Day 2
Description: Continue the journey of shared learning with Peter Frankopan, Sally Hayden, and William Sieghart, culminating in a mesmerizing concert by Alda Dizdari and Camilla Pay. This day celebrates our literary connections and shared musical heritage.
Location: National Theatre of Opera & Ballet, Tirana
Date and Time: 22 September 2024, 14:00 – 19:00
Purchase your tickets here.