We are one of the oldest and most dynamic cultural networks in Europe. We have been at the forefront of repurposing abandoned buildings for arts, culture and activism since 1983. We are based in Sweden and have 127 members in 36 different countries across Europe–from Spain to Ukraine.

Our three founding pillars are: People, Arts and Buildings.

People are at the heart of our network. People are both the driving force of our centres and their primary focus. We work hard for the benefit of our communities. Our ultimate goal is to build a society where all people can thrive.

Buildings are our micro-universes. We transform abandoned buildings with creativity and imagination into places where anything can happen. We use arts and culture to create spaces where people can have fun, feel empowered and get inspired.

We believe in the power of arts and culture to change the world for the better. We use art to transform the reality around us and our perception of it.

We are a network of 127 cultural organisations from 36 European countries. Twice a year we meet to exchange knowledge, to start conversations and to connect with other cultural changemakers. Our meetings are a hotbed of new ideas and collaborations. They are always hosted by a different member – allowing us to get to know some of the challenges facing different regions. Our meetings reflect our diversity and explore topics that matter to us all. Find out where and when we are meeting next.

We also collaborate regionally and thematically through our Hubs. We launch projects together and form partnerships based on common interests, goals and ideas.

Throughout the year, we organise training workshops and seminars. We are specifically interested in business innovation and the organisational development of our member centres.

We strive for the professional development of our staff so they can offer the best support possible to all our members. We offer them opportunities to increase their leadership potential and to learn from their peers.

 

We also support emerging cultural initiatives in the Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries and South Mediterranean.

We aim to amplify the voice of the cultural and creative sector in Europe by influencing policy-making processes. We forge strategic partnerships with business, public administration and academia and get involved in events that can influence public policies.

Together with like-minded networks such as onthemove, Res Artis, European Music Council, NEMO, etc., we co-sign position papers, declarations and petitions addressing policy-makers. We also meet with local, national and regional policy-makers to tell them about our work and our mission.