An international interdisciplinary scientific conference “The Arts and Migration(s): Reflections and Responsibilities” was held in Valletta, Malta. The forum was organized by the European Alliance of Academies in partnership with the Arts Council Malta. The Institute of Art Studies has been the representative of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in the Alliance since 2021. Prof. Dr. Joanna Spassova-Dikova, Director of the Institute, was among the participants. Workshops and discussions were held. One of the initiatives was a special round table, “Café Climate”, dedicated to climate changes and various crises, and more specifically to the topic of migration. The role of arts in integration and enriching intercultural dialogue was highlighted. On the last day, a statement was prepared and adopted by all participants to increase the exchange between different cultures worldwide which stated: “Millions of people are forced to leave their countries due to economic inequality, war, persecution, floods and drought. There is no migration crisis, as we hear all too often, but there is a political crisis, with more and more countries blaming migration for the problems they face… Art and culture rely on the free movement of people and ideas – being confined to national borders makes us narrow-minded and one-sided. Instead of turning a blind eye to the growing prejudices and disinformation, we need to open our windows and doors…”
