Paul Bogen explores the wide range of European arts and culture networks.
At a conference in Brussels in 1993, I was both surprised and amused to find that one of the speakers was from “the network of European cultural networks”. There were so many cultural networks in Europe at that time someone had the bright idea that there needed to be a network to support them. Today, there are more than 300 cultural networks in Europe, covering a multitude of artforms, disciplines, organisations, countries and professions. There are networks for artists, arts festivals, carnivals, orchestras, arts centres, arts students, writers, dance, museums and even one for jugglers. There is no one central information point where you can find all of the networks listed, but ‘Lab for Culture’ has over 200 in its database (under the directory section of its website). The website www.culture.info is also a useful resource tool for all things cultural in Europe and includes its own directory of networks.
Many of the more established networks are based in Brussels, where the politicians, bureaucrats and funding reside. Others can be found all around Europe, usually in capital cities. The major networks are membership based, meet once or twice a year, and are partly funded through subscriptions. Subscription fees vary greatly (from €50 to over €1,000 a year), usually depending on what the network offers it membership, whether it is publicly funded and how many members it has. Most of the networks hold their meetings in the home city of one of their members. Hosting a meeting can provide opportunities for developing and raising an organisation’s international profile within the media, the arts community and with funding bodies. Nearly all of the networks have websites, and many publish online newsletters for their members.
When I was first introduced to European cultural networks, the Brits were not well represented: today, many UK arts organisations are working beyond our shores. This results in new opportunities, new partnerships and new funding opportunities. Developing an international dimension to an organisation’s work generally seems to please UK funding agencies and local authorities, particularly if you can invite local politicians or your funding agency director to an overseas conference or meeting in Barcelona, Prague or Rome. Many European Community (EC) funding programmes require applicants to include two or more partners from the 27 member states. Joining a network relevant to your area of work can help develop partnerships and projects with like-minded organisations from across Europe, and enable you to apply for a wider-range of EC funding programmes.
The costs and time required for European networking should be seen as a long-term investment that will eventually be repaid with interest, directly and indirectly. Don’t expect an instant pay-back. Just as at home, it takes time to develop relationships and build new partnerships. If you actively participate in the network and involve as many people from your organisation as possible, joining a European or international cultural network can be extremely rewarding for your organisation, your artists and your employees.
Paul Bogen is a Director of Olivearte Cultural Agency providing a range of consultancy, training and funding services across Europe as well as producing Italian olive oil.
e: paul.bogen@btinternet.com
w: http://www.olivearte.com
Networks of note
International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM)
Probably one of the best-known and largest European cultural network, this was formed in 1981. With over 400 members, its purpose is “to stimulate the quality, development and contexts of contemporary performing arts in a global environment”. It has an annual meeting at a European location as well as additional satellite meetings.
w: http://www.ietm.org
Res Artis
This is the worldwide network of artist residencies and residential art centres, based in the Netherlands. Its membership is made up of arts centres and artists’ organisations that programme residential artist exchanges. Founded in 1993, it provides a forum for residency programmes and convenes international meetings and conferences. It is the largest international network of artist residency programmes with over 200 members from more than 40 countries.
w: http://www.resartis.org
Trans Europe Halles
Founded in 1983, this network currently has 50 members in 25 countries and provides a platform for exchange, support and co-operation. The network brings together a diverse group of independent and multi-disciplinary cultural centres. It meets twice a year in different members’ centres, offering professional development and exchange programmes, and initiating a wide range of projects for and with its members.
w: http://www.teh.net
Arts Management Network
This is an international online information network for arts managers. Founded in 1996 as the first German online magazine for arts managers, its website now has more than 25,000 visitors a month. It does not have formal meetings but offers a free newsletter and a conference calendar, as well as a web and education directory.
w: http://www.artsmanagement.net
Europa Nostra
The Pan-European Federation for Heritage represents over 250 non-Governmental Organisations in 45 Europe countries. Founded in 1963, its aim is to “put heritage and its benefits in the mainstream of public consciousness and to making heritage a priority for public policies both at European and national levels”. It meets once a year, publishes a monthly newsletter and manages an annual European Heritage award funded by the European Commission.
w: http://www.europanostra.org
Culture Action Europe
This is a European level advocacy organisation representing the interests of artists and cultural organisations. Founded in 1995 (and formerly known as EFAH) it “exists to strengthen the role of arts and culture in the sustainable development of Europe”. Membership is open to any cultural organisation which wants to find out what’s happening to culture in Europe and get involved in European cultural affairs. Culture Action Europe brings together members from the fields of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, socio-cultural work, arts management, cultural training and information provision. The network meets once a year in different cities, publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, is subscription based and has a well-informed and useful web site.
w: http://www.cultureactioneurope.org
ENCATC
The European Network of Cultural Administration Training Centres, aims “to stimulate and encourage the development of cultural management and policy within the context of great changes in the fields of culture, arts and media”. Formed in 1992, its 130 members are mainly academic institutions running some form of cultural management courses and it meets once a year in different cities across Europe.
w: http://www.encatc.org
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