European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture

“Imagine 10 years, 20 years, 30 years from now, when our children ask us, ‘In those years when the far right was winning, what did you do?’” At this year’s Roma Art of Assembly in Berlin, hosted by European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, Zeljko Jovanovic delivered a powerful message on the need to unite across regions, languages, and beliefs to safeguard Roma heritage and protect our freedom. Watch his full speech at the link in the comments. #RomaForEurope #RomaArtOfAssembly

ERIAC had the honor of welcoming Michael O'Flaherty, Human Rights Commissioner - Council of Europe, to its Office and Art Space. During the visit, Commissioner O'Flaherty met with Executive Director Timea Junghaus to discuss Roma rights, inclusion, and cultural representation. ERIAC stands ready to engage with recommendation and policy support to strengthen Roma representation and inclusion. The team looks forward to further collaboration in 2025! #ERIAC #RomaRights #HumanRights #Collaboration #Representation

This week, pro-democracy activists in Romania, including our partners at Roma for Democracy Romania, were targeted with disturbing threats from a far-right paramilitary group. These threats are a dangerous sign of rising hate and division. Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe, urges us to come together, speak up, and defend the values of democracy and inclusion across Europe. Now is the time to act and show solidarity with those fighting for a better future. 👉 Read more: https://shorturl.at/qNubo #StandForDemocracy #RomaForDemocracy #InclusionMatters #DefendFreedom #UnitedForChange #ProtectOurValues

This morning at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin, the Roma Art of Assembly 2024 continued with engaging debates on key topics for our Membership and the Roma community. Using interactive tools, participants explored questions about Roma pride, identity, education, and ERIAC’s future, with passionate advocates presenting diverse perspectives. The discussions highlighted challenges and opportunities, reflecting unity and inspiration for the path ahead. #RomaArtOfAssembly2024 #ERIAC #RomaCulture

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Zeljko Jovanovic, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe and Chair of the Board of ERIAC, for his inspiring leadership and invaluable contributions to the Roma Art of Assembly 2024. Your dedication and vision continue to empower and uplift our community. Thank you for being an integral part of this important event. #RomaArtOfAssembly

We sincerely thank Dr. Anna Lührmann, Minister of State for Europe and Climate at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, for her inspiring speech and presence at the Roma Art of Assembly 2024. A heartfelt thank you to all our members and the wider community for making Roma Art of Assembly possible. #RomaArtOfAssembly

The first day of the Roma Art of Assembly was a great success, creating many unforgettable moments. ERIAC is honored to have brought together dignitaries, Roma intellectuals, artists, and activists to celebrate our community’s achievements. This year’s General Assembly, themed Roma Art of Assembly, highlighted the culmination of two major projects—ROMHERITAGE and ERIACNET4EU. These initiatives connected Roma organizations and individuals to preserve and promote Roma culture and history. #RomaArtOfAssembly

Join us for live music at the Roma Art of Assembly! On December 5 and 6, the Roma Art of Assembly celebrates our community’s strength and cultural identity, and offers a platform to showcase and gather around great Roma artists. We are pleased to present some of the musicians that will light up the spirit of the evening on December 5. Bajsa Arifovska, from North Macedonia, is a renowned multi-instrumentalist and professor of traditional Macedonian instruments. She has actively promoted Macedonian and Roma folk music, arranging and conducting the Mandolin Orchestra at the Darhia Roma Cultural Center since 2003. Harmelogic is a unique piano and percussion duo from Slovenia. Their music is a unique blend of Balkan, Mediterranean and African cultures with elements of jazz, blues, latin and hip hop. Zea is a singer, actress, model and dancer born in Prešov, Slovakia. She represents the alternative pop genre, which is closest to her heart. She has released one debut album, Burning Light, on which she collaborated with Slovak-Canadian producer Milan André. The Roma Art of Assembly ceremony on December 5th will be livestreamed on ERIAC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, starting at 19:00.

On December 5 2024, ERIAC hosts a special hybrid event celebrating Roma heritage, culture, and the power of community. The Opening Ceremony on December 5 at 19:00 will be livestreamed on ERIAC’s YouTube and Facebook. Don’t miss inspiring speeches, music by Bajsa Arifovska, Harmelogic Duo, Zea, and Aldessa, and the launch of the newly elected Barvalipe Academy.

📚 The RomaMoMA Nomadic Library is hosted by Berlin’s Schiller Library, between December 3, 2024 and January 3, 2025! This unique collection, comprising around 100 volumes, celebrates the richness of contemporary Roma literature, art, and cultural heritage while also serving as a critical lens on the historical and ongoing violence faced by the Roma across Europe. Its presence at the Schiller Library highlights the vital role of public libraries as communal spaces for learning, exchange, and collaboration. Here, the library’s collection intertwines with a tapestry of local actors—public institutions, civil society groups, and community organizations—working across diverse domains such as youth engagement, elder care, neighborhood development, democracy advocacy, and environmental education. The RomaMoMA Library, born in 2021 to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the First World Romani Congress, is a dynamic and itinerant repository of culture. Wherever it travels, it engages deeply with local contexts, fostering dialogue and discovery. RomaMoMA expresses deep gratitude for the partnership among ERIAC, the Bezirksamt Mitte (Berlin District Office), and Schillerbibliothek, which has made this chapter of its journey possible.