First LOKAL European Networking 04-2026
LOKAL Aftermovie Swidnica April 2026 https://vimeo.com/videos/1234144361 LOKAL Aftermovie Swidnica April 2026 In times of polarisation, cultural venues – especially in smaller towns – can provide opportunities for dialogue and exchange. This is where people often meet who wouldn’t normally come in contact with one another. Art and cultural associations, sociocultural centres, theatres and libraries are important meeting places in a pluralistic and democratic society. And yet, these local organisations are operating under ever-increasing pressure. What partners can rural cultural associations collaborate with on a long-term basis so that they can stage art projects in public space where everyone can actively and safely participate? With whom can libraries and theatres team up with to initiate community-building projects? In this context, LOKAL is a funding initiative that aims to strengthen cultural associations in smaller towns and more remote regions through joint artistic projects and network-building – both locally and across Europe. Beginning with the financial support of up to 40 cultural networks in Germany, LOKAL aims to grow into a pan-European network of cultural initiatives and funding bodies. This network will facilitate the sharing of experience and expertise, foster cross-border cultural projects and build an alliance of committed cultural stakeholders from all over Europe. The programme runs from 2025 to 2031 and is organised by the German Federal Cultural Foundation, the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) and the European Cultural Foundation. From 21 to 24 April 2026, participants from across Europe gathered in Świdnica for the first European network meeting of LOKAL. Over four days, cultural practitioners exchanged practices, built connections and explored how their work can respond to division, strengthen local networks and sustain participation in communities where shared spaces are becoming more fragile.
