This year has seen the peak of the implementation of the EEA and Norway Grants, with over 6500 projects contracted in the 16 beneficiary countries. The annual report 2015-2016 highlights the results achieved with funding from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In addition to presenting result in the selected programmes in each beneficiary country, this year’s annual report places a special focus on the achievements reached within two thematic areas – asylum and migration, and research and scholarship.
Strengthening bilateral relations between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the beneficiary countries is one of the two main objectives of the Grants. A section in the annual report is dedicated to show the extent of, and achievements reached through bilateral cooperation between public institutions, the private sectors, academia and civil society in the donor and beneficiary countries.
The EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 programme period was officially launched in the end of May. For this period Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will contribute with a total amount of €2.8 billion to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 EU member states. Until 8 July, you can participate in a consultation on the priorities for the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 here www.eeagrants.org/BlueBook.
The Grass is always greener on the other side
Liechtenstein has used this opportunity to strengthen its cooperation with European countries through bilateral partnerships under the EEA Grants. Last year saw an example product of those efforts when the curatorial team of Kunstverein Schichtwechsel organized an art exhibition in collaboration with the Liechtenstein Art Museum in Vaduz involving 36 artists from Liechtenstein, Iceland, Luxembourg and Montenegro with focus on the reality of small European states and how they are perceived by others, according to their webside. “The world is on the move, driven by the idea that things are better elsewhere. Some people leave their homes in search of education, work or a better life. Others travel out of interest, a thirst for adventure or to do their bit for a better world. At the exhibition “The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side”, 36 artists aged between 25 and 45 inquired how a small state presents itself, whether it can play a model role, and what effects migration and tourism have. The aim of the show was to draw a critical comparison between the small states and, at the same time, to try to find inspiring unique features.” The collaboration was then expanded to Venice where a selection of the artists displayed works and performances at the Venice Biennale at an event called the Silver Lining, on behalf of Liechtenstein.
Image shows a performance seen through the window of Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in July 2015 by Icelandic artist Katrín Inga Jónsdóttir.