People & Projects

Capacity Development

    

Culture as a vehicle for change

capa card1Our projects assist cultural change in countries that are undergoing social, economic, political transition in the EU-neighborhood. We work specifically for the cultural sector, and we do so always in partnership with local people. Local expertise is twinned with international expertise. Each project draws on the talents of local cultural actors and helps bring their skills up to date. The projects bring together local cultural communities and enable them to work closely with policymakers in order to transform cultural life where they live. Our experience - in Central and Eastern Europe, South East Europe, Russia, Turkey and the southern Mediterranean - shows that invigorating the cultural sector contributes to overall development: culture can be a vehicle for change.

Want to know more in detail about our activities? Go to capacity development past & ongoing projects.

Have a look at Capacity Development Key Documents to find out all about our most recent publications.

Andrey Popov, First Vice-Minister for Culture in Kaliningrad Oblast, pointed out the importance of drawing on local expertise:

PopovOften, European trainers did not have the local expertise needed to understand the issues at stake. They approached topics from a European point of view. Now we have a bilateral learning process with interesting discussions and new ways to explore.

Capacity Development for Cultural Actors

capa tree bigFirst we identify and analyse local needs and cultural potential. We team up with local and international partners and seek to strengthen cultural development by promoting arts management skills and practical collaboration. This helps the cultural sector to forge European partnerships and achieve structural sustainability. Well-organised civil society actors can work for change and overcome barriers through cultural dialogue and cooperation. (To see this proces click on the image on the left.)

Elena Ryabkova, head of the Kings Gate historical and cultural centre, spoke of a 'joint mind' created by the training. Svetlana Sokolova, Director of Kaliningrad's historical museum Friedland Gates, agreed:

Svetlana SokolovaI was very happy to see the development of strong genuine interest in each other's work and organisations. Discussions lasted till late at night. This surely also contributed to us being able to develop a strong common vision for the cultural sector of the region.

If you want more information about ongoing projects, outcomes, publications etc., you can contact Philipp Dietachmair or Dilia Ham at the ECF CAPA Desk.