In a time marked by uncertainty and rapid change, finding spaces to pause, reflect, and imagine new possibilities has never been more vital. In October, the Fellowship residential in Turin offered exactly that: five invigorating days for the Fellows to meet in-person for the first time and step away from the everyday rush to reflect on what it means to move forward in times that demand courage, creativity, and solidarity.
The residential was more than a meeting. It created a convivial space where Fellows could learn about each other: the different contexts they work in, the unique challenges they face, and the similarities that bind their experiences together. Through these exchanges, relationships crystallised, trust deepened, and a sense of solidarity began to emerge.
This gathering sparked a feeling of togetherness, fostering a transnational understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping socially engaged arts across Europe. In a time when so many feel isolated in their efforts, this moment was a reminder of the collective power we hold when we come together.
The days in Turin were rich with conversation and inquiry. We explored the tension between crisis and possibility, and how urgent challenges can narrow our capacity to dream, yet simultaneously ignite the need for deep-rooted transformation. This duality framed much of our dialogue, reminding us that moments of disruption often carry the seeds of renewal.
The programme, thoughtfully designed by our Fellowship partners – The Audience Agency, Fitzcarraldo Foundation, and Culture Action Europe – guided Fellows through the Fellowship’s key pillars: holistic leadership, narrative and storytelling, impact measurement and evaluation, and advocacy.
As conversations unfolded, complex questions surfaced, questions that will continue to shape the Fellowship journey:
- What does it mean to lead with integrity and purpose today?
- How do we build and sustain organisations that are resilient and community-powered?
- How can impact be measured in ways that feel generative rather than extractive?
- And how do we craft narratives that inspire solidarity and move us toward more just futures?
As we look ahead, the energy and insights from Turin will continue to ripple beyond those few days.
Fellows are now turning their focus toward developing pilot actions that respond to a core question, challenge, or opportunity that their organisations are facing. These inquiries will serve as a compass for experimentation, scaling, and testing new ideas throughout the programme. In doing so, they will shape how Fellows imagine and enact change in their own contexts, and we are excited to share more about their work in the months ahead.
Video credits: Panino Films