Cultural institutions and organizations across Europe ramped up their advocacy efforts last week for the European Parliament elections, pushing for greater recognition and support for the cultural and creative sectors. With the elections ongoing (June 6-9, 2024) Cultural organizations have made their voices heard, highlighting the crucial role that culture plays in shaping the future of the European Union. Here is a recap of the agenda the European Cultural and Creative ecosystem is pushing forward for the next period.
Increased Recognition of Culture: Many organizations, such as Culture Action Europe are pushing for culture to be recognized as a central part of the EU's political vision. They want to see culture included in the EU's policy-making processes and funding priorities. Cultural Institutions have proposed allocating 2% of the EU's GDP to support cultural activities, aligning with the #CulturalDealEU initiative. This increased funding would help to support the creative sector and promote cultural diversity.
Improved Working Conditions for Artists: Several European Parties have responded positively to the sector's demand to improve the working conditions of artists and cultural workers. This includes the establishment of a European Artist Status and a Statute for Artists, as well as increased funding for cultural programs.
Enhanced Cultural Heritage and Diversity: Organizations like Europa Nostra and the European Heritage Hub are advocating for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, emphasizing its role in fostering a common European consciousness and promoting cultural diversity. Organizations like NEMO are promoting the democratization of access to cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of cultural rights and ensuring that cultural heritage is accessible to all, particularly linguistic minorities, children, and the elderly.
Promoting Cultural Mobility and Exchange: Organizations like OntheMove and Pearle highlight the importance of cultural mobility and exchange, supporting initiatives that facilitate the movement of artists and cultural workers across Europe and beyond.
These goals and initiatives are well-aligned with the current challenges and priorities of the cultural and creative sector in Europe, and they reflect the sector's desire to have a stronger voice in shaping the future of the European Union.
The European Commission has shown its commitment to the cultural and creative sectors by establishing several different financial support schemes. Through the interactive online funding guide CulturEU has established a tailored online platform to help the cultural and creative stakeholders to navigate and understand its different aspects and priorities. Through the CulturEU guide, the user can profile himself and match the different sectors, the different organisation types and the different activity support types with the relevant EU funding programs.
We've compiled a collection of articles related to the elections that started yesterday and the agenda pushed forward by the creative ecosystem in Europe
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Images by Panagiotis Tsironis & Sakina Saïdi for Fine Acts. Published here under CC.04 License
