Do today's Europe and its democratic regimes correspond to what people fought for in 1989? This question formed the central debate of a two day conference "SOLIDARITY/solidarities" held in London on 5 and 6 June which brought together academics, journalists, film directors, art curators and members of the public to engage in a collective and open reflection on the legacy of the 1989 revolutions.
The conference examined not only the historical and political context of the transformation, but also the artistic and visual one. A wide range of topics was debated: from the peculiarity of Solidarity - the Polish revolutionary movement- with its unique ability to bridge the gap between socialist and liberal ideologies, to the artistic expressions of pre-1989 revolutionary movements.
The School of Slavonic and East European Studies (University College London) hosted the event with support from the European Commission Representation in the UK.
The conference was part of 'Children of the Revolution 1989 - 2009' - a series of events in London celebrating the 20th anniversary of the most radical democratic transformation in Europe.
Other events include:
- Designing Democracy: Posters and the Political Transformation of Europe 1989-1991 - research project at the Poster Collection, the Victoria & Albert Museum, June-November 2009
- Revolution we love you - public debate at Tate Modern, November 2009 (date to be confirmed)
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/news/around/090610_uk_en.htm
F.U.N was born when a friend asked how he can help the United Nations? "What does the UN need most" he asked? Friends are what the UN needs most, was our answer, and it just happens to spell F.U.N. 
