On 3 February 2026, Anna Ochmann, President of the ARTeria Foundation, participated in the Cultural Deal for Europe – Annual Policy Conversation, held at BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. The event is one of the leading European forums for discussing the future of cultural policy in the European Union.
The conference brought together representatives of European institutions, cultural networks, civil society organisations, and leaders from the cultural and creative sectors to reflect on the role of culture in building a more resilient, democratic, and sustainable Europe.
A central focus of the event was the Cultural Deal for Europe initiative, which calls for placing culture at the heart of the European project and recognising it as a fundamental pillar of democracy, security, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Participants also discussed the future financing of culture within the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the implementation of the Culture Compass, which is expected to shape the next generation of European cultural policy.
The discussions highlighted the importance of actively involving civil society organisations and cultural stakeholders in shaping European public policies. Particular attention was given to the contribution of culture to social resilience, intercultural dialogue, democratic participation, digital transformation, and the response to climate-related challenges.
For the ARTeria Foundation, participation in the event provided another opportunity to contribute to the European debate on the future of culture, strengthen international cooperation, and engage with partners and networks working to reinforce the role of culture within the European agenda.
Main image: illustration generated by ChatGPT
