From 17–19 September 2025, the annual Against the Tide conference invites socio-cultural professionals, civic actors, and cultural organisations to Montenegro. For three days, the conference will explore how the cultural sector can amplify the voices of marginalised communities and young generations across Europe.
By Creatives Unite CommunityDeadline for registration: 31 July 2025
Organiser: European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)
Who It’s For: Socio-cultural professionals, cultural organisations, civic actors, and cross-sectoral changemakers
Get your ticket here.
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About the Conference
Against the Tide, is the European Network of Cultural Centres' 2025 annual conference, taking place on September 17th-19th in Montenegro. In a time when democratic values are increasingly under threat, cultural organisations are being called upon to act as spaces for civic engagement and agents of social cohesion. This year’s conference, set against the backdrop of Kotor’s UNESCO World Heritage site, will explore and celebrate inclusion and democratic participation through culture, with a special focus on the needs, visions, and role of young generations.
Hosted by Kulturni Centar Nikola Djurkovic, the conference will offer panel discussions, guided tours, roundtables, workshops, youth-led sessions, and moments of networking.
What does the programme include
The three-day programme will feature an opening panel on creating safe spaces in practice, followed by workshops led by ENCC members, inspirational talks, and youth-led sessions. Participants will engage with local case studies, take part in reflection groups, and explore collaborative and intercultural practices through dedicated laboratories. The event also offers valuable opportunities to network with European and regional cultural actors, and concludes with an optional farewell boat tour. Throughout, the conference aims to foster new cross-sectoral synergies and European partnerships, with a special emphasis on connecting socio-cultural spaces across the Balkan region.
See the full programme here.
Why Attend
By participating in the conference, attendees will:
- Learn about innovative socio-cultural practices for inclusion
- Exchange experiences with peers from across Europe and beyond
- Build new partnerships and explore cross-sectoral collaborations
- Contribute to rethinking democracy and participation in the cultural sector
- Help strengthen the role of culture in promoting civic engagement and resilience
