The Power of Art and Nature: Danish Presidency Exhibition at the EU Parliament

On 16 July 2025, the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation, represented by Executive Vice-President Marianne Poncelet and Senior Project Manager Bianca Rubino, had the honour of attending the official inauguration of the Danish Presidency Exhibition at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event took place during the first month of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

The inauguration was hosted by Miriam Lexmann, Questor of the European Parliament and Chair of its Artistic Committee. Her opening remarks were followed by a speech from Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Danish Minister for Culture, who emphasised the power of art and artists to inspire critical thinking, new perspectives, and meaningful change. He also spoke about the essential role of culture in building vibrant and resilient democracies, referencing Denmark’s key presidency priorities—including the development of a democratic shield. 

Curated by EP Cultural Outreach Unit, the exhibition presents a thought-provoking selection of contemporary Danish artworks, drawn from the collections of the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) and the European Parliament Contemporary Art Collection. 

Introducing the exhibition, the curator highlighted its central theme: the role of nature in human life and our collective relationship with the environment. This thematic focus resonates deeply with the IYMF’s mission to foster intercultural dialogue, artistic expression, and harmony not only among people but also with the natural world. The IYMF’s latest project, Green Tales, developed internationally with other 7 partners, echoes this theme by engaging students in environmental awareness through the arts. 

The featured works of artists, such as Schmidt-Rasmussen, move beyond traditional landscape depictions, offering emotional, metaphorical, and sometimes ironic reflections on the complex dynamic between humanity and nature. 

The IYMF was proud to participate in this inspiring event, which once again underscored the essential contribution of arts and culture to shaping a more inclusive, reflective, and sustainable Europe.