In recent weeks there have been many ideas from the public on the function of the Pyramid. They have been informal monologues with the aim of creating dialogue, however they have all fallen on relatively deaf ears. This has caused a lot of discontent among professionals of different fields. We present this article as a call for dialogue and a need for space for dialogue right now! A country can move from dictatorship to freedom of speech as a democratic process, but having regular and functioning dialogue ensures that the process has sustainability.
Generally speaking, an idea is transmitted from a simple thought to a monologue and then dialogue. Dialogue refers to the process of speaking and listening, and then reacting and responding in the form of an organized discussion. By ensuring that more voices are heard and shared, the path to civic sustainability and social harmony will grow.
Before the ’90s in Albania, freedom of speech was out of the question. In contrast, for the last 20 years people have been free to express their thoughts, yet this has remained in the monologue stage. Decisions are still taken only by politicians and people with power, without consideration to anyone or anything. Just ask the people of Dukat and others across the country who this week have been protesting exactly this. To see who are the country’s greatest monologues, just look at the power structure. Recently, the dialogue about the International Center of Culture “Pjeter Arbnori” and the Albanian Law on the new Art Centres, like many other issues, has been only at the political level, if at all, and any decisions made reflect only political views. There is no contribution from citizens or experts of any field in political decisions, besides some sporadic articles, gatherings and media shows, meaning that everyone here is performing a monologue.
MONOLOGUE vs. DIALOGUE
A monologue refers to a long utterance by one person who does not let others participate. While
talking is quite common in Albania, particularly in cafes, organized dialogue between groups of different opinions and orientations rarely occur. It is likely that many groups are not aware of the opinions and positions of other groups, or maybe they are just indifferent. Perhaps the indifference lies in the fact that we ourselves do not know how to properly share our thoughts and open our eyes and ears. Try asking three questions:
1- Have you ever been invited to a government institution to express your opinion on an issue?
2- Have you ever been consulted prior to a change in your immediate neighbourhood?
3- Do you feel your opinion matters in the process of decision making? Now ask yourself “Would I participate in the process of public dialogue, through different forms of expression, if there was a suitable place to do so?” Re-evaluating heritage memory is a natural process that needs dialogue with experts, communities and politicians. Nobody has a clue what is going on at the “Pjeter Abnori” International Centre of Culture in the Pyramid, but the Ministry of Culture (2007) states that for 700 million Leke there will be a 500 seat theatre, art gallery, offices, library, conference rooms, cafe, etc. So, instead of halting any works in progress for whatever reason, why not think of a concept for this Pyramid that would best fit with the current reconstruction project and our contemporary need for sustainability. This is an ongoing request for pension from an artist in Lezhe to various ministers. Artwork by Ndoc Tusha, 2007Let’s imagine a Centre of Dialogue in this structure built to immortalize Albania’s most notorious
monologue, Enver Hoxha.
TRIPLE APPROACH
The Centre of Dialogue can take a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to balance speaking, listening and responding, where each aspect is essential in achieving sustainability. In having a centre of dialogue, all citizens (regardless of profession, position or demographic), will have an opportunity to be heard, and to receive diverse responses from all demographics in the fields of culture, social sciences and sciences at any level, government and community.Such a centre will fill the need for a space of public dialogue where citizens, experts, artists, etc. are encouraged to express their opinions in a democratic manner, appropriate today and into the coming decades. In short, a public forum in Albania, for the 21st century.
The PYRAMID OF DIALOGUE & its MISSION
Structurally, a pyramid consists of a pinnacle built upon layers of an increasingly wide and solid
foundation. Figuratively, the base of the pyramid is the collective dialogue of all citizens, and the pinnacle represents each persons aspirations.
The centre should consist of numerous multi-functional rooms and activities covering three main
departments: Culture, Sciences and Social Sciences. Under the spectrum of these departments would be: roundtables, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, publications, library, archives, theatre, gallery, caf鬠recording studio, conference facilities, etc. These services and facilities all act as training and educating opportunities as well providing feedback for improving dialogue techniques. The centre should be equipped to process dialogue of all forms from traditional (speaking, writing, artistic), to modern (sms, social media, etc). In documenting the process of ongoing dialogue, the centre will establish discussion archives and a regular publication (catalogue) of contributions.
Municipalities and government should have public hearings and conferences, individuals and
organizations should be encouraged to organize and participate in various activities.
The centre should establish a national and international database for human resources in specific fields, such as artists, consultants, specialists, etc. The centre should also establish regular exchange with foreign centres of dialogue, international organizations and other forums using modern technologies and world class standards.
The centre should experiment with and develop new forms of governing and mediating dialogue, and to shift the way of thinking about what is circulated through society’s information systems.
In serving as a liaison between journalists, media and a wide range of citizens, professionals and
politicians, the Centre of Dialogue will ensure more voices are heard and shared. The result will be a sustainable dialogue incorporating the concerns and input of all demographics and fields.
We do not aim for this proposal to be another monologue so please feel free to contribute to the dialogue.
Kevin Tummers & Blerina Berberi (MA & H: P, M & E)
