Over the past months, ENCC has explored the structural barriers that prevent youth and marginalized groups from fully participating in socio-cultural life across Europe. Two new resources have been published to support policymakers and civil society actors in creating more inclusive, accessible, and democratic cultural ecosystems.
By Creatives Unite CommunityOver the last months, the ENCC has been researching and consulting sociocultural operators within and outside its network to answer these questions. The findings were condensed into two documents that can serve as valuable tools for policy makers and civil society actors. The documents include:
A brief for policymakers:
The policy brief On the Cultural Participation of Youth and Marginalised Groups in the EU, that highlights the crucial role of inclusive cultural participation in strengthening democracy, social cohesion, and well-being across Europe. It outlines key policy gaps affecting sociocultural centres, particularly in relation to youth and marginalised communities, and puts forward concrete recommendations for European policymakers to support independent cultural spaces, ensure sustainable funding, and foster more equitable access to cultural life. Find out more here.
An implementation guide for civil society actors:
The Guide to the Cultural Participation of Youth and Marginalised Groups for ENCC Members, offers a practical, step-by-step framework to support sociocultural centres in embedding inclusion as a lived practice. Structured around phases from initiation to long-term governance, it provides concrete tools and examples to strengthen dialogue, accessibility, empowerment, and sustainable participation of youth and marginalised communities across Europe. Read the guide here.
Want to know more or exchange with author Julia Kasten on the content of these publications? ENCC will host a dedicated lunchtime info session on Thursday, December 18th from 12:30 to 13:15 CET. Register here.
