This high-level discussion delves into one of the most pressing tensions in today’s cultural policy landscape: Should culture be depoliticised — or is that very idea a political act in itself? Has the dominance of economic narratives helped or hindered the cultural sector? And how can we create space for dialogue between diverse stakeholders — from rights holders to researchers, practitioners to policymakers?
Bringing together leading voices from across Europe, the panel offers a dynamic and honest exchange that questions dominant assumptions and explores how culture can play a transformative role in democratic societies. While some viewpoints draw inspiration from recent critiques of the “culture-as-industry” paradigm, this session presents a broad spectrum of perspectives — encouraging reimagined narratives for a more inclusive cultural future.
