European Scientific Conference

“Democratization of the Arts? Through the Arts?” New strategies for arts and culture education in Europe

The European conference aims to explore the necessary transformation requirements for the democratization of cultural institutions. Participants will discuss concepts of how arts and culture education can strengthen democratization processes in Europe.

time

9 October 2025, 10:00 - 18:00

place

Berlin, Europäisches Haus

The conference presents and discusses approaches to active cultural participation, as creative participatory formats can open up spaces of dialogue, enable civic engagement and democratic participation. Precondition for this is not only broad access of different social groups to educational offers in the cultural sector, but also active involvement and co-creation of cultural offers. Ideally, greater citizen participation also contributes to the development of resilient cultural institutions as important pillars of a strong democracy and civil society.   

The conference assembles experts and stakeholders representing the fields of arts, culture, education, science and politics from 18 European countries and enables international and interdisciplinary exchange and networking. The program combines theoretical inputs and discussions with best-practice presentations of projects and institutions from all over Europe. Various approaches to active cultural participation and examples of practical implementation will be presented to derive initial recommendations for strategies on the national and European level. 

Working language is English. 

Participation is free of charge. It is only possible with prior registration.  
The number of participants is limited. We kindly ask for a binding registration. 

Partners: „European Network of Observatories in the field of arts and cultural education“ (ENO); Institute for Museum Research– State Museums Berlin; Representation of the European Commission in Germany 

Draft Programme

“Democratization of the Arts? Through the Arts?” New strategies for arts and culture education in Europe

contact person

Saskia Herklotz

telephone

+49-3378-8059-59