Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca will host the 16th edition of the international Culture Next conference on May 6, 7 and 8, following its selection as the next Cultural Capital of 2030. The event will bring together representatives from around 50 European cities.
Conference focus and programme
Culture Next, the network for the European Capitals of Culture, will transform Larnaca into a meeting place for the creative and cultural industries. The programme will address how cities and organisations can strategically invest in culture as a driving force for sustainable development, participation and innovation.
Participation and public open day
Representatives from around 50 European cities will meet in Larnaca to exchange ideas and best practices, discuss developments in their cities, and develop new collaborations. An open day for the general public is scheduled for May 7, inviting the local artistic community to meet with the European cultural industry and to learn about the cultural ecosystem of participating cities.
Discussions, keynote and panels
Discussions will cover policies supporting the field and the experiences of artists working in conflict zones. On May 7, Mary Ann De Vlieg will deliver a keynote speech on the role of networking, solidarity and care, focusing on artists’ rights and how artists and cultural professionals can empower themselves and their community.
A panel session will present cases from different institutions, including practices of the European Institute of Innovation (EIT), Ireland’s Basic Artists Income Scheme, and Al Mawred’s policies for empowering artists and culture professionals on a PanArab scale. The session, titled Toward an Equitable, Fair Creative Economy: Reflections on models and approaches, will be moderated by Tom Fleming, Director of TFCC and a member of the Policy Task Force of the Culture Next Network.
Additional sessions, access and registration
The afternoon programme will include a panel session for artists to respond and share challenges and limitations, while a Local Focus event will provide space for Cyprus’ creatives to meet, network and present their work with conference participants. Admission is free, the event will be held in English, and registration is required online at www.culturenext.eu.
Will you register to attend the Culture Next open day in Larnaca on May 7?
