All the world around the table

About 70 people  today took part in the symposium ”Bread and Circus”.

Tone Hoemsnes, project coordinator for the symposium, commented:

 - It’s wonderful that despite the language barrier, everyone is so engaged; they almost don’t want to leave the table when it’s time to move. The central question for discussion is how we can make more arenas for cultural activities regardless of poverty and social status.

Bread and Circus uses the method ”World Café”: smaller groups gather around a table for discussion and two facilitators lead the questioning. Each group’s conclusion is presented to the room before they move to a new table.

-  The move from one table to another is, in a sense, a journey through different ”countries”, offering many experiences and skills. On return to the original table this journey is shared. Finally, groups are paired to consider ”What can we do to overcome poverty and social exclusion in our own community?”. This important symposium can have great outcomes for local communities.

A symposium on culture and poverty. You may become engaged! The subtitle ”Personal engagement in a global perspective” refers to the symposium’s use of the concept ”World café” – a method which allows large groups to discuss big questions in a personal and engaging space.

Source: Flickr