12 September 2025

The annual GCE conference shall explore the ways in which societal transformations of the 20th/21st centuries are reflected in the literature, arts, and music of the countries around the Black Sea. These cultural forms serve as both mirrors to the changing dynamics within society and powerful tools for understanding deep-rooted shifts in cultural, political, and economic landscapes. Historically, culture has been a decisive factor in the nation-building processes for the countries in our focus, especially where and when state institutions were lacking. The critical role of works of art in shaping and reflecting societal consciousness is particularly evident in the wake of historical upheavals, such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the rise of nationalist movements, and ongoing struggles with democratic development.

Literature, music, and visual arts are not merely products of their time but also function as sites of resistance, reflection, and (re-)invention of national and collective identities; in some cases, they may even serve as triggers for change. The planned conference aims to shed light on how the cultural manifestations of an era reflect its social conditions, peculiarities, and developments. Special attention shall be given to transnational entanglements: Are there cross-border contacts and influences, and are they of a more harmonious-accommodating or more divisive-disruptive nature? Could the Black Sea region be described as a cultural area? Are dominant narratives confirmed or challenged? What new voices are emerging today, and how are they taking issue with the contemporary context? What can scholarship tell us about all these questions?

Organized by the Center for Governance and Culture in Europe (GCE-HSG) and the Centre for Advanced Study Sofia (CAS)

Dates:
14.–17. September 2025

Locations:
Centre for Advanced Study Sofia,
7B Stefan Karadzha St, entr. 3, fl. 2, apt. 23,
Sofia 1000

Toplocentrala Centre for Contemporary Arts,
5 Emil Bersinski Str.,
Sofia 1408

Alexander Meienberger
alexander.meienberger@unisg.ch

Olga Nyagolova
nyagolova@cas.bg

The program of the conference is available here.