Liberatum is the creation of cultural entrepreneur Pablo Ganguli. The organisation seeks to connect the finest minds and leading cultural figureheads from across the world in a cultural exchange through events, projects and festivals. This summer
Liberatum is the creation of cultural entrepreneur Pablo Ganguli. The organisation seeks to connect the finest minds and leading cultural figureheads from across the world in a cultural exchange through events, projects and festivals. This summer AnOther joins forces with Liberatum for Istancool, an incredible festival of art, fashion, music, film, literature and design taking place in the magical city of Istanbul between July 2-4. Confirmed guests include Gareth Pugh, Kim Jones, Zaha Hadid, Hanif Kureishi, Gore Vidal, Michael Nyman, Lily Cole, Terence Koh, Stephen Frears, Philip Treacy and Lee Daniels among other international cultural icons. Here AnOther talks to Pablo about Liberatum’s aims and the forthcoming festival.
How did you come to start Liberatum?
Pablo Ganguli: I started the organization in 2001, from an office in the British High Commission residence in Papua New Guinea. It operated there under the title Connect UK in the South Pacific. It was a three-year programme promoting British cultural ties with the South Pacific region. I was 17 at the time. The arts was always the highlight of my work, and as such, I developed numerous festivals – from film to literature – all over the region, but mainly in Papua New Guinea.
What are the objectives of Liberatum and why do you believe that they are important?
PG: Liberatum's main objectives are to promote cultural diplomacy and connect the UK with foreign nations through innovative programmes. The importance of cultural diplomacy is more necessary than ever in this generation and our aim is to connect people through the arts and encourage the development of new careers, ideas and inspirations.
Can you tell me about some of the numerous events and festivals you have already organised around the world?
PG: Our work has always been highly diverse and eclectic. In Morocco, we invited Sufi musicians to perform while Annie Lennox and Moroccan students all sat together to observe and be entertained. In India, Goldie Hawn, Clare Short and a former British governor of an Iraqi province would gather to talk about India, human rights and literature. In St Petersburg, Thomas Adès and Valery Gergiev conducted and directed operas and orchestras… and in Moscow, Stephen Jones promoted millinery and Gavin Turk talked art at Dasha Zhukova's gallery with Michael Craig-Martin.
Why did you choose Istanbul as the host city for this summer’s Istancool festival?
PG: It is an historic cultural capital of the world, a legendary connector of two continents. And this year, Istanbul is the European capital of culture. What could be a better way to celebrate Istanbul, its past and future, than creating a Liberatum festival bringing some of the world's leading cultural icons and presenting a mammoth programme of artistic experimentation of the highest standard?
Interview by Caroline Lever
Istancool festival will be taking place in Istanbul between July 2-4, 2010
