Another inspiring event in June 2025 with the participation of ARTeria – an important discussion on whether, in times of crisis and conflict, the cultural sector can take the initiative in participatory governance and collective action. The conference, organised by Culture Action Europe as part of the BEYOND series with this year’s theme ‘Being many’, was an extraordinary event based on the un-conferencing formula. The programme included lectures and panel discussions with interactive workshops, capacity-building sessions and visits to local cultural initiatives. There were also many opportunities for informal meetings, networking and cooperation.
The ARTeria Foundation has been a member of the international network Culture Action Europe since 2010. The conference (4-7 June 2025, Turin) was attended by the president of the Foundation, Anna Ochmann, who also presented ARTeria’s project activities during the conference sessions.
The BEYOND 2025: Being Many conference was a challenge to take concrete action at a time when uncertainty shapes our present and future, driven by the progressive erosion of democracy, the changing political situation, ongoing armed conflicts and the escalation of the climate crisis. We tried to find answers to the questions: in this context, can the cultural sector take the initiative in participatory governance and collective action? What does inclusive cultural leadership look like in our common quest to counteract adverse phenomena in times of transformation?
The inspiring conference in Turin was also a wonderful time and an opportunity to talk to some of the Polish representatives of Polish Hub within Culture Action Europe:
- Agata Wąskowska-Pawlik, International Cultural Centre in Krakow
- Marta Szadowiak and Katarzyna Szewciów, Baltic Sea Cultural Centre in Gdańsk
- Agata Etmanowicz, Impact Foundation
- Rafał Sakowski, Urban Culture Institute – City of Weaves, Bielsko-Biała
- Tomasz Włodarski, Małopolska Institute of Culture
- Anna Ochmann, ARTeria Foundation
Photos: @_studiomadonna_
