A unique meeting of intellectuals and artists from around the

MELTINGPOT FORUM 2018, Scilla Elworthy, Meltingpot Gala, foto: Meltingpot STYLE MELTINGPOT FORUM 2018, Petr Kovář alias Kovy, Czech Stories Stage, foto: Meltingpot A unique meeting of intellectuals and artists from around the world – Meltingpot 2018 Inspirational speakers, motivating lectures, discussions: that was the Meltingpot international forum, the third year of which was held as part of the multi-genre festival Colours of Ostrava, July 18–21, 2018. “Meltingpot has a global impact, and is exactly what the planet needs right now, in the age of challenges and opportunities,” said John Perkins, economist, intellectual leader and author of the bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Over 200 representatives of various philosophies from 29 countries met in Ostrava. Eight discussion stages were followed by an audience exceeding twenty thousand; another three stages were situated outside the festival location. Futurologist and visionary Bruno Marion stressed the originality of the forum. “I love the idea of connecting the music festival and Meltingpot.” The synergy of music and “ideas melting” in such an immense measure is endemic in the world. What is even more important is that the speakers’ forum in Ostrava aims at the lay public, i.e. at any of us outside our walk of life. Meltingpot offers a fine open atmosphere for anyone to contribute to the discussion regardless of their profession. What about asking a few questions of Liz Corbin, the Head of News at BBC World News and expert in fake news, or Meik Wiking, author of the bestseller Hygge? Sir Nicolas Winton’s daughter Barbara Winton (like many other guests) plans to come back to Ostrava again: “Meltingpot was excellent. I hope you enjoyed its huge success.” This also was the second year of the film project Voices of Meltingpot. 20 new personal confessions of personalities participating in the forum will be released in October. Last year’s records, as well as some 2018, lectures are already available at www.meltingpotforum.com. Text: Petra Hniková Charmite POSITIV ǀ 3/2018 77