The Artist as Citizen 2025

Reimagining Europe’s Future – Cultural Engagement for a Democratic Europe

Across Europe, artists, cultural actors, educators and policy shapers are asking how artistic practice can help rebuild trust, bridge divides and strengthen democratic culture. The Artist as Citizen convenes these voices to explore the power of culture in times of geopolitical uncertainty and societal polarization. Drawing inspiration from the Budapest Cultural Forum of 1985 and the legacy of the Helsinki Process, the conference looks ahead: Which cultural capacities do we need now to protect human dignity, pluralism and participation—and how can artists act as responsible citizens shaping Europe’s future?

What to expect

• Conversations at the intersection of culture, civic education and democracy
• Perspectives from artists, intellectuals, curators and facilitators from across Europe
• A forward-looking discussion on a renewed cultural forum for Europe—from bottom‑up initiatives to transnational collaboration
• Practical insights on countering disinformation, navigating polarized groups, and creating spaces for fact-based, inclusive dialogue

Themes

• Borderless: Culture beyond divides—memory, mobility and shared European spaces
• Institutions in transition: The (re)definition of cultural institutes and cultural diplomacy
• Artist networks & agencies: Visibility, infrastructure and responsibility of the sector
• Towards a Cultural Pact for Europe: Concrete proposals and alliances

Who are engaged?

Artists and cultural workers, educators and trainers, civil society actors, policymakers, journalists, researchers, and everyone committed to an open, democratic Europe.

Language

The main conference language is English.

Flashback to 2024

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