Europe Day. Culture Leads the way

Join us in Amsterdam for a full-day celebration of togetherness on our continent. On this Europe Day, we explore how creative practices and shared cultural spaces can connect Europeans and lead us into a better future. Hosted by DutchCulture | Creative Europe Desk NL, EIT Culture & Creativity (EIT CC), European Cultural Foundation, and H’ART Museum, this event brings together a wide variety of voices committed to transforming Europe’s cultural landscapes. Are you ready to explore how culture can lead the way?

The public programme at H’ART starts with three sessions by Creative Europe Desk NL, informing on the broad scope of their work. Their expert advisors remain on site to provide in-depth insights into funding opportunities, application processes, and eligibility criteria. EIT CC will kick off the afternoon sessions with a showcase of their organisation, open calls, and programs, highlighting how entrepreneurship and innovation can drive the future of Europe. The program will then conclude with an advocacy session on the Cultural Deal for Europe, guided by the European Cultural Foundation, urging a shift to place culture at the centre of European-policy making.

10:00 – 11:00 Session 1: Cultural spaces as civic spaces and why do we need them? (Creative Europe Culture)
11:15 – 12:15 Session 2: How can European journalism thrive without using Big Tech? (Creative Europe Cross-sectoral)
12:30 – 13:30 Session 3: How to deal with changing culture-consumer patterns? (Creative Europe MEDIA)
13:45 – 14:30 Performance ‘Bonne Route’ by Tjerk Ridder
14:30 - 15:30 Session 4: EIT Culture and Creativity: Bridging the Worlds of Funding and the Creative Sector
15:30 - 16:15 Session 5: A Cultural Deal for Europe – why culture matters (European Cultural Foundation)

Hosted by DutchCulture | Creative Europe Desk NL
10:00 – 11:00

Last year, during the European elections, Creative Europe Day centered around the importance of European cultural cooperation for democracy and an open society. This year, rather than shifting the focus, we return to this topic with fresh urgency.

As political tensions deepen across Europe, we’ll explore how museums, theatres, venues and other cultural spaces can act as strongholds of democracy. How can European cooperation strengthen the idea of cultural spaces as forums for critical debate, and how can they ensure active civic participation?

Meet our speakers:

• Annabelle Birnie, Director of De Nieuwe Kerk & H'ART Museum
• Sophie Leferink, Project manager at SPACE
• Charmaine de Heij, Visual artist & curator
• Rabiaâ Benlahbib, Director at Kunstfort Vijfhuizen & Creative Court

Hosted by DutchCulture | Creative Europe Desk NL
11:15 – 12:15

In a time where AI and social media shape public opinion, elections, and democratic processes, the digital landscape is increasingly controlled by a handful of powerful tech billionaires. With platforms like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and Google influencing what information reaches the public and how political debates unfold, Europe faces a critical challenge: How can we build a transparent, independent, and democratic digital space that is not dictated by Big Tech?

Join us for an engaging panel discussion where leading experts in journalism, technology, and policy will explore how AI-driven content and social media algorithms impact democratic values. We will examine Europe’s regulatory efforts, such as the Digital Services Act and AI Act, and discuss practical strategies for reducing reliance on U.S. tech giants while fostering digital innovation, independent media, and ethical AI.
With a special focus on the role of journalism in countering disinformation and protecting truth in the digital space, this session will offer insights, solutions, and ideas for shaping Europe’s digital future. Whether you're a policymaker, media professional, or digital rights advocate, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Meet our speakers:

• Menno Weijs, DISPLAY EUROPE
• Lorenzo Gerbi, Baltan Laboratories
• Lars Boering, European Centre for Journalism

Hosted by DutchCulture | Creative Europe Desk NL
12:30 – 13:30

European cinemas are facing a growing challenge: how do we inspire young people to rediscover the magic of the big screen, particularly when it comes to European films? As social media, streaming platforms, and Hollywood productions shape entertainment choices, the connection between young audiences and European cinema is weakening.

This panel discussion will explore how to make European film culture more accessible and relevant to younger generations. Industry experts will discuss the challenges of youth engagement, the role of policymakers and cinemas, and innovative initiatives that can help bring young audiences back to theaters.

A key case study will highlight Cineville’s successful youth-oriented subscription model, demonstrating how targeted initiatives can foster a new generation of film lovers. Could similar models be applied across Europe? What lessons can we learn to ensure that European cinema continues to thrive?

Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking discussion on shaping the future of European film culture for the next generation.

Meet our speakers:

• Samir Aziroual, Cineville
• Vanja Kaludjercic, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)
• Heleen Rouw, Creative Industries Immersive Impact Coalition (CIIC)
• Mark Higham, European Film Club

Hosted by H’ART Museum
13:45 – 14:30

It seemed a great adventurous idea: walking from Paris to Groningen following the path of Saint Martin. A brand new route through Europe along the heritage of war and peace, and monuments named after the legendary saint. When Tjerk Ridder started his 1234 kilometer long walk, only one pilgrim had gone before him.

In the musical theatre performance Bonne Route! Tjerk invites audiences unto a slow-paced journey through stories, songs and film material. How do you pave your own path, how do you deal with setbacks and keep your spirits up? What does solidarity, togetherness and sharing mean today?

Hosted by EIT Culture and Creativity
14:30 – 15:30

What does the future of culture and creativity in Europe look like—and how can you help shape it?
In this session, you’ll get to know EIT Culture & Creativity, where innovation and creativity join forces to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. They will introduce their open calls and programs, followed by an interactive and hands-on workshop exploring their five key topic areas: fashion, architecture, gaming, audio/visual media, and cultural heritage.

EIT Culture & Creativity (EIT CC) is the ninth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), dedicated to supporting the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries. Their mission is to boost the sector’s competitiveness and resilience, foster sustainable economic growth, and unlock new forms of entrepreneurship with lasting impact.

Meet our speakers:

• Martijn Blom, Impact Europe
• Javier Arias, Director of Business Creation at EIT CC
• Joost Vervoort, Associate Professor of Transformative Imagination at Utrecht University
• Aga Blonska, Architect and Entrepreneur

Hosted by European Cultural Foundation
15:30 – 16:15

The world is in a storm and people are anxious, increasingly confused and disoriented. How can culture help to overcome rising tensions and inequalities in Europe and in the world, and be a compass for individuals and communities? Can culture be the driving force of a different future and bring us together as a community of shared values and interests?

This conversation asks how culture can position Europe as a soft power, and how culture helps connecting the local to the European. Can culture be our compass?

Meet our speakers:

• Isabelle Schwarz, Head of Public Policy at European Cultural Foundation
• Leanne Hoogwaerts, Europa Platform coordinator for Kunsten ‘92 and boardmember Culture Action Europe
• Mafalda Dâmaso, European University Institute and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Date: Friday 9 May
Time: 10:00 - 16:30
Location: H'ART Museum, Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam
Language: English
Tickets: Free