Describe the main features of the policy/measure:
The Preparatory Action European Spaces of Culture tests innovative collaboration models in cultural relations between European and local partner organisations in countries outside the EU.
At the heart of the project lies a new spirit of dialogue, in which equality, mutual listening and learning represent the core values that help build trust and understanding between peoples. As a Preparatory Action, it was initiated by the European Parliament.
By gathering policy recommendations, the project contributes to the implementation of the EU strategy for international cultural relations. Phase 1 of the action ran from 2018-2021. Phase 2 and 3 will be implemented in 2021-2023.
Website of the policy/measure, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?:
Under the first phase of European Spaces of Culture, six pilot projects were implemented from 2019- April 2021:
- In Benin, the Urban Cult Lab’Africa has brought together six fab labs – digital fabrication laboratories – in West Africa to co-design cultural events including artists’ residencies, live events and exhibitions.
- Triángulo Teatro (Central American European Theatre Circuit) is a programme of theatrical performances which revolve around the contemporary interpretation of European dramatic art. It is a cooperation between El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
- In Ethiopia, Tibeb be Adebabay (Amharic for ‘Art in Public Space’) is a participatory street festival staged in Meskel Square, the main public square in Addis Abeba.
- Nogoonbaatar Eco Art Festival, the first of its kind in Mongolia, aims to change the critical situation of air pollution in the Ger District, notorious for heavy pollution through coal burning.
- In the USA, The Grid incorporates art-thinking into the development of new technologies, jump-starting a conversation between artists, technologists, and policy makers from Europe, Silicon Valley and beyond.
- In Sri Lanka, the next Colomboscope festival offers opportunities for creative producers to have a horizontal exchange on creative questions as well as topics of socio-political urgency. It includes professional development workshops, mentoring circles, and in-tandem residencies across four regions.
A mapping looked at past and current practice of European collaboration in culture, over the past 30 years, both inside and outside of the EU, realised by EUNIC members as well as by other actors or organisations (e.g. civil society). A high-level conference presented the results on 1 June 2021. Policy recommandations are in preparation.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD:
$ 892 500
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure:
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
EU Delegations in partner countries
| Public Sector
|
Civil Society Organizations in partner countries
| Civil Society Organization (CSO)
|
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?:
NO