George Soros: The idea was developed by the staff at the Open Society Institute and is part of a wider concept to promote positive images of Roma culture and society as a way to address pervasive exclusion and discrimination faced by many Roma throughout Europe.
George Soros: "I hope we keep working together"
Allianz.com News: How did you come up with the idea of a Roma pavilion at the Venice Biennale?
George Soros founded the Open Society Institute based on Karl Popper's idea of an open society
Can art projects like this contribute to the idea of an open society? In what way?
Soros: Certainly. First, this project helps challenge prevailing stereotypes of Roma, which are predominantly negative, or at best, very narrow – for example, Roma are good musicians but nothing else. Second, we hope the Pavilion helps prompt a broader conversation about the role of Roma in European society and the need for inclusion.
Was it difficult to convince the Biennale organizers to integrate a Roma pavilion in its program? Would you prefer the Roma artists to be showcased inside the Biennale's area?
Soros: Although it was a competitive process, the Biennale organizers were very receptive to the idea. We had tried to arrange a venue right in front of the central exhibition at the Giardini, but we could not come to an agreement with the owner of the venue.
Do you have a personal favorite among the works of art to be exhibited?
Soros: To tell the truth, I am not a big fan of contemporary art. But I am pleased to see that the experts, the Biennale organizers, have found the Roma art worthy of inclusion in this prestigious venue.
Artwork at the Roma Pavilion: Gabi Jimenez, Caravan, Drying Laundry (2006); photo: Jimenez
Why did you approach the Allianz Cultural Foundation for the project and do you see further cooperation with the Allianz Cultural Foundation in the future?
Soros: The Allianz Cultural Foundation is a strong European Foundation with a very good reputation in the cultural field. That is why we approached Allianz and we are very happy with the professional cooperation which extends much beyond the matching of funds. Based on this positive experience I would very much hope that we keep working together.
The Roma Pavilion "Paradise Lost" in the Palazzo Pisani in Venice is open to the public until November 21, 2007.
The Romani people or Roma are an ethnic group living in many communities all over the world. Worldwide, there are an estimated eight to ten million Roma. The largest population of Roma is found on the Balkan peninsula; however, significant numbers also live in the Americas, the former Soviet Union, Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
About George Soros
George Soros was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1930. In 1947, he emigrated to England and in 1956 to the United States, where he worked as a trader and analyst. In 1973 he set up a private investment firm that eventually evolved into the legendary Quantum Fund.Soros is the founder and chairman of a network of foundations that promote, among other things, the creation of open, democratic societies based upon the rule of law, market economies, transparent and accountable governance, freedom of the press, and respect for human rights.