Shaping Europe’s Future Cultural Policy: ELIA at the Heart of EU Discussions
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Participating in two EU events this month, ELIA Advocacy Manager Irene Garofalo and Communications Manager Derville Quigley represented ELIA in key conversations about the future of European cultural policy. They joined forces with representatives from colleague networks and other stakeholders from the cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI), bringing in higher arts education perspectives. ELIA at ‘A New Culture Compass for Europe’ Dialogue  A New Culture Compass for Europe – a consultation of cultural stakeholders – was held on 20 March at the European Commission in Brussels. More than 50 representatives from predominantly cultural networks were invited to take part. Participants discussed challenges for the CCSI, envisioned policy and funding solutions, and in particular explored the role of a new Culture Compass to strengthen cultural policy at EU level.
Speaking on How can Europe’s cultural force and potential be further unlocked, considering the current challenges? What do the cultural and creative sectors need to thrive, be more competitive and innovative? How can we widen access to and increase participation in culture? Irene put forward the point that: "We cannot talk about access to culture without talking about access to arts education. While arts education and research are central elements in support of European democracy, recently we have often seen culture – and particularly arts education and research – reduced to a side note in official policy documents." 
Irene stated the need to create transversal dialogue across the European policy institutions, build understanding of importance culture and arts education not just with policymakers dealing directly with CCSI but also in with those in different but related fields (skills & education, research & innovation, industry & entrepreneurship etc.) The UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education can be used a solid starting point for fully acknowledging the arts as an essential knowledge domain. On the questions: How can the compass further harness the power of culture for broader societal and global goals? How can it ensure that culture plays its role as a strategic asset in EU policies and initiatives more effectively? – Irene stressed that, “continuous dialogue with stakeholders is key and should be maintained when shaping the compass, but also when updating it, as needed.” As the CCSI are a multilayered ecosystem with enormous potential, they should be supported throughout its breadth and depth. Irene expressed her hope that “the new Culture Compass would have a strong opening statement on the intrinsic value of the CCSI and the arts.” And, that the compass would also serve as a reference point highlighting the vital synergies that are needed between different EU, national, and regional policies and funding streams. Additionally, many of the stakeholders were united in voicing concerns about artistic freedom and organisational autonomy of cultural institutions. ELIA has been participating in a campaign urging for yearly monitoring of the status of artistic freedom to be included in the EU's Rule of Law Report. Other important discussion points were on the preparedness of the CCSI for the digital transition and the importance on continuing collaborative work at EU level on the working conditions of artists and other professionals in the CCSI. ELIA at the Changemakers Exhibition 
Earlier, on 12 March, at the invitation of the Director General for Communications, ELIA Communications Manager Derville Quigley attended the Changemakers exhibition and accompanying debates at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.  Featuring works from the European Parliament’s Contemporary Art Collection, the exhibition highlights artists who defy restrictions on freedom of thought and expression. Alongside them, young ‘artivists’ presented works created as part of Pop the Vote! Culture on the Ballot, a project managed by Culture Action Europe. To coincide with the exhibition, the European Parliament hosted two debates on:
- The importance of culture in moving forward on societal issues
- The role of women as keepers of cultural heritage
These discussions were chaired by MEP Nela Riehl, Chair of the CULT Committee, and Lina Gálvez, Chair of the FEMM Committee. In her speech, MEP Nela Riehl emphasised that: “In safeguarding our cultural identity, we are safeguarding our future.” She highlighted that education is key in ensuring young people have the tools to detect and understand when culture is being misused or weaponised. Lina Gálvez spoke about how the idea of “women” as a collective force is being erased. Speaking on Freedom of expression, gesture and language and How women can harness cultural narratives to drive societal change, Derville positioned ELIA values as guiding principles, and acknowledged the importance and power of storytelling. Through scenario mapping, she explained how alternative or new narratives could be used to ignite and inspire positive change, while addressing the challenges that arts educators and cultural networks face. Events like these, which bring together cultural networks, artists, and political actors, play an essential role as the CCSI stakeholders join forces to ensure cultural workers, educators, and artists are supported, especially in challenging times. We would like to thank the European Commission and the DG Comms Department at the European Parliament for inviting ELIA to be part of these proactive and forward-thinking events. Want to take action yourself? Start by sharing your views on the EU’s next long-term budget.
Images: © European Union 2025 – Source: EP. In the fourth image, Crossing Bodies, Crossing Boundaries, 2024 by Bruno de Almeida.
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