Spaces of Diversity?

Music festivals offer a chance to experience musical and cultural diversity, much needed in a country which, for a long time, had been separated from much of global culture. As such, they also serve as an opportunity to appreciate the musical traditions and productions from different groups, both those originating from foreign lands, and those situated locally, often created by ethnic minorities. The relatively easy-going atmosphere of music festivals and their focus on art allow for circumstances where conflict is not very likely, thus fostering mutual appreciation among people of various walks of life. All of the essays in this volume refer to and aim to answer two fundamental questions: can music festivals serve as spaces of diversity, that is places where people can get to know other cultures and groups of people; and if so, how? Can music festivals also be a factor of socio-cultural changes?