Members
Member News| Europe Talks: strengthening dialogue through culture and international cooperation
The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), a member of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa, has launched Europe Talks, a new programme designed to foster dialogue, cultural exchange and international cooperation. The initiative was launched in May at Dibukafé, IFAS's living library in Braamfontein, with the exhibition Growing Up Across Borders: Youth Stories from Johannesburg and Paris. Developed through collaboration between researchers, cultural organizations and communities in South Africa and France, the exhibition explored themes of migration, belonging, identity and social inclusion through artistic and documentary approaches.
Building on this foundation, Europe Talks will continue throughout 2026 with a programme of exhibitions, public discussions and cultural events developed in partnership with European and South African institutions. The initiative creates opportunities for artists, researchers, civil society organizations, policymakers and the broader public to engage with contemporary issues through culture and dialogue.
At a time when international cooperation increasingly relies on people-to-people connections, Europe Talks highlights the role of cultural exchange in strengthening mutual understanding and fostering new partnerships across sectors and borders. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the programme contributes to conversations on social cohesion, mobility, inclusion and shared global challenges.
FSACCI members are warmly invited to participate in upcoming Europe Talks events and discussions. Details of future engagements will be published throughout the year on the IFAS website, offering opportunities to connect with a growing network of South African and European partners working across culture, research, education and civil society.
FSACCI members are also welcome to make use of Dibukafé, IFAS's cultural and community space in Braamfontein, for relevant talks, networking events, launches and discussions. For venue enquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact culture(@)frenchinstitute.org.za.
Disclaimer:
This article is an external contribution and was not produced by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI). The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of FSACCI
