Hosted by SNF Dialogues · EL
History is marked by constant change, and the history of global democracy is no exception. While governing institutions and leaders have not always embraced democratic values, universities have in many ways endured as places of free expression and exchange of ideas. In this way, they are more than educational institutions: they are havens for freedom and the pursuit of knowledge, offering a foothold for societies striving to grow and improve. Yet, despite their enduring strengths, universities are facing significant challenges in today’s divisive climate. How can we ensure that they continue to fulfill their crucial role in promoting and safeguarding democratic values and inspiring democratic change? The SNF Dialogues opens this vital discussion with experts on these questions but also, most importantly, students themselves, exploring how to ensure that universities meet the moment and do their part to carry the torch of democracy forward. The panel features distinguished professors Irene Mulvey, AAUP Immediate Past President and Professor Emerita of Mathematics at Fairfield University, John Holmwood, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Nottingham, John Tomasi, President of the Heterodox Academy, and Hahrie Han, Inaugural Director of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University,. Students participating in the discussion include April Anthony, SNF Ithaca student leader at the University of Delaware, Faith Applegate, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, Anna Oakes, multimedia journalist and graduate student at the Columbia Journalism School, and Luke McDermott, External Vice President at the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska and Chairman of the Husker Vote Coalition. The President of Johns Hopkins University, Ron Daniels, will also make an intervention during the discussion. *The opinions expressed by SNF Dialogues participants, whether officially representing institutions or organizations, or themselves alone, at events, in articles, or in other audiovisual media are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers’ remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from SNF. The factual accuracy of statements made by participants not employed by SNF or its affiliates is solely the responsibility of the participants or the institutions or organizations they represent.
On May 29, 2024, SNF Dialogues, in collaboration with the University of Delaware, hosted a public dialogue at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware, on the impact of political marketing and the commodification of politics in democracy. SNF Dialogues featured two panel discussions—one from an academic perspective and another on the professional practice of political marketing—as well as a keynote address by Valerie Biden Owens, the first woman in the United States to have managed a presidential campaign.

The SNF Dialogues hosted a public speaking event that underscores libraries’ vital role in promoting civic engagement and strengthening democracy, scheduled for April 30th at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in New York. The discussion was moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou, Managing Director of the SNF Dialogues, and the main speakers were Dr. Tony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library (NYPL), and Dr. Ares Kalandides, Urban scholar and Academic Advisor at New York University, Berlin. An intervention was made by the architect of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), Francine Houben, Founding Partner and Creative Director of the Netherlands-based firm Mecanoo. Additionally, Ricci Yuhico, Managing Librarian for Young Adult Services at SNFL, and Kaelin Motsoasele (they/them), student and library page in the flagship Teen Center in the NYPL, shed light on the services the library provides to teenagers and young adults. Last but not least, Kathleen Carrasco, Borough Director at the Bronx Neighborhood Library Networks in the NYPL, talked about the valuable contribution of the library to the local community. The opinions expressed by SNF Dialogues participants, whether officially representing institutions or organizations, or themselves alone, at events, in articles, or in other audiovisual media are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers’ remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from SNF. The factual accuracy of statements made by participants not employed by SNF or its affiliates is solely the responsibility of the participants or the institutions or organizations they represent.

In the second episode, we delve into the evolution of libraries, tracing their journey from exclusive sanctuaries for the elite to commonly managed spaces shaped by and for a group of citizens—the emergence of what is often referred to as the "commons." Confronting the constraints of class, gender, and racial divides of the past, libraries are now viewed in their role as centers for community engagement. They serve as catalysts for societal transformation, fostering community-building, and offering avenues for emancipation and democracy even in the face of societal upheaval.

In the third episode, we turn our attention to the archival material housed within libraries, delving into their multiple roles—from manipulation of historical narratives to their power as instruments of activism. Additionally, we shed light on the role of digitization in ensuring the accessibility and longevity of these archives, alongside innovative approaches to managing vast amounts of data. To bridge the ancient wisdom of the legendary Library of Alexandria with its contemporary relevance, SNF Dialogues engages in a conversation with the director of the current library.

Description: In the concluding episode, SNF Dialogues brings into focus the relationship between libraries and their urban environments, exploring how these institutions integrate into the fabric of their surroundings, often transforming into vibrant public spaces themselves. We examine two notable examples—the New York Public Library and the Library Network in Milan—that have transformed into inclusive, open public spaces, welcoming to all.

While many of us associate libraries with brick-and-mortar buildings in our neighborhoods, there exists a remarkable world of mobile public libraries that extend their reach to remote rural areas, transcending geographical boundaries and socioeconomic disparities. In this episode, we venture from Colombia to Northern Greece, uncovering the stories of mobile public libraries that are transforming the communities they visit. These mobile libraries not only bring books, but also foster learning opportunities, bridging gaps and enriching lives regardless of location or background.

What are the prospects and implications of space travel and how will it affect us all? The SNF Dialogues discuss with Dr. Tanya Harrison, planetary scientist, and Mars expert, seeking answers to the above questions. Στο άπειρο κι ακόμα παραπέρα: Ταξίδι στο Διάστημα, Άρης και Ηθική Ποιες είναι οι προοπτικές και οι επιπτώσεις των ταξιδιών στο διάστημα και πώς θα μας επηρεάσουν; Οι Διάλογοι του ΙΣΝ συζητούν με την Δρ. Tanya Harrison, πλανητολόγο και ειδικό στον Άρη, αναζητώντας απαντήσεις στα παραπάνω ερωτήματα.

Τρεις Έλληνες επιζήσαντες του HIV και ένας γιατρός μοιράζονται τις ιστορίες τους σχετικά με τη ζωή τους στις σκοτεινές μέρες της επιδημίας του HIV/AIDS πριν από τη διάθεση των αντιρετροϊκών φαρμάκων. AIDS in 1980s Greece: An audio documentary Three Greek long-term survivors of HIV and one doctor share their stories about living through the dark days of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic before anti-retroviral medication became available.

In an age where breaking news on crises from climate change to political developments is incessant, the constant flow of information from various sources has paradoxically led to disengagement rather than energizing us. This relentless news stream leaves many citizens feeling overwhelmed and unable to process it all. As a result, their capacity to assess situations, make informed decisions, and actively participate in collective decision-making is compromised. News becoming a spectacle turns citizens into spectators, raising concerns about its impact on democratic engagement. To address these pressing issues, the SNF Dialogues, curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou (iMEdD Managing Director, SNF Dialogues Executive Director and journalist) will convene one day before the official start of the iMEdD International Journalism Forum. The event will feature esteemed panelists like Dr. Laurie Ouellette, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Darren Lilleker, Professor of Political Communication at Bournemouth University, and and Timothy Shaffer, Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse. to explore issues that are relevant to both journalism and citizens themselves. The SNF Dialogues are held through the journalism non-profit organization iMEdD (incubator for Media Education and Development). *The opinions expressed by Dialogues participants, whether officially representing institutions and organizations or themselves alone, at events, in articles, or in other audiovisual media are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers' remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from the team.