We’re stepping into an important moment for Europe’s cultural landscape.
The European Union is in the process of defining its strategic priorities ahead of its 2028-2034 funding cycle (also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework), which will determine the types of cultural programmes that receive support and investment. We’ve also recently celebrated the important launch of Culture Compass for Europe – a European Commission-led programme designed to guide EU policy-making in the arts and cultural space, as well as address the multiple challenges facing the sector.
To meet the moment, we’re proud to announce our new partnership with leading EU-level cultural advocacy organisation Culture Action Europe (CAE). This partnership aims to integrate socially engaged arts into key discussions on arts policy and funding, and generate awareness of this field of practice as a key driver of cultural democracy, social cohesion, and community empowerment.
This collaboration marks an opportunity to significantly elevate culture and socially engaged arts within European policymaking. It will see us work together to drive forward our shared commitment to democracy-building, as we amplify our belief in culture’s capacity to foster belonging within the wider social ecosystem. Watch this space: if you’re a socially engaged arts practitioner, we’ll be organising joint activities you can personally get involved in.
The Alliance is also endorsing CAE’s “Ask, Pay, Trust” campaign, which urges the EU to champion culture as a catalyst for societies to thrive. This three-pronged campaign centres on the need to ask for artists’ and cultural workers’ expertise when writing policy, to pay for their time, labour and intellectual property, and to trust in the wonderful unpredictability of the arts. You can join us in endorsing the campaign on CAE’s website.
Between the newly launched Culture Compass for Europe and the upcoming funding cycle, our partnership with CAE will help us shape the future of EU cultural policy, set out a bold creative vision, and ultimately make Europe a more vibrant place for the arts. Follow us here, or on our socials, to keep up with the policy work we’re driving forward with CAE.