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culture Solutions Newsletter

No. 24 > May 2026

Dear cS friend,



Happy belated Europe day!


Whether you're an EU official, an artist, a cultural sector professional or simply passionate about culture, we're here to keep you informed about the latest developments in EU cultural relations, along with updates on our projects, events and publications.

Our newsletter features cS Explains, which highlights our team's work and analysis, and cS Explores, which curates external content and opportunities. In addition, this edition of cS Enjoys celebrates the vibrant energy of spring through visual arts, sound, literature, theatre and performance.


Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We are grateful for your engagement and look forward to the conversations ahead.


Warm regards,

culture Solutions team

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cS Explains

Events

 Space for dialogue 



culture Solutions was part of the S+T+ARTS Afropean Intelligence Expert Talk #7, "Policy by Design: how can artistic practice inform public policy?" Elise Cuny joined Avril Joffe and Adwoa Ankoma for a conversation on how artistic and cultural practices can inform more ethical, inclusive and sustainable public policies, with a particular focus on Africa-Europe cooperation.


> WATCH HERE

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cS representations in the field

 Space for dialogue 


Elise Cuny joined cross-sector workshops at the European Parliament event "Invest in What Matters", focusing on how the next Multiannual Financial Framework can better support cultural actors and civil society.

Damien Helly contributed to the PROCULHER-NET 2 Final Conference, speaking on cultural heritage protection in crises and its place in EU external action.

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culture Solutions reunion in Brussels

 Space for dialogue 



culture Solutions recently gathered in Brussels, bringing together cS friends, members and partners for an evening of exchange and connection around international cultural relations. The reunion was a welcome opportunity to catch up, share ideas in person, and reflect on the work we do together and why it matters.

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culture Solutions General Assembly

 Space for dialogue 



culture Solutions' annual General Assembly brought the members together online to review the year, share updates, and set shared priorities for the road ahead. Building on the energy of our recent Brussels gathering, the session offered cS friends and members an opportunity to engage directly in shaping the organisation's future in EU international cultural relations.

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Publications

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 Policy analysis 



culture Solutions' Research Report #3 explores how Africa-Europe cultural relations are evolving and what is needed to build more balanced and sustainable partnerships. The report highlights the growing role of African investment in Cultural and Creative Industries, how the Global Gateway is shaping cultural cooperation, and the importance of stronger IP frameworks, skills and value chains. At its core, a shared vision based on trust, equity and collaboration.



> READ MORE 

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 Policy analysis 



As the MAGA movement continues to reshape transatlantic relations, the EU faces a critical moment for its international cultural relations strategy. In cS Brief #16, culture Solutions examines how culture wars, digital sovereignty and disinformation are transforming the global cultural landscape, and what the EU must do to strengthen its own cultural and strategic positioning.



> READ MORE 

Podcasts

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 Space for dialogue



culture Solutions and culture360.ASEF.org have teamed up for a new podcast episode on culture, conflict and mental health. Part of the "Redefining Well-being through Culture" series, the episode explores how cultural practices become sources of resilience and care when healthcare systems collapse, drawing on voices and experiences from Myanmar.





> LISTEN NOW

cS Explores

EU policy and politics

Publications

Events

Asia-Europe Cultural Festival

Cultural relations 14-23.05.2026 Event by ASEF



Odyssée du cinéma positif - Semaine du cinéma positif in Cannes

Cultural heritage 22.05.2026 Event by Heritage & Civilisation


European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026

Cultural heritage 26-30.05.2026 Event by Europa Nostra


Countering Polarization: Rethinking Cultural Diplomacy

 Cultural relations 28.05.2026 Event by Danish Culture


Libraries Advancing Community Engagement in Africa and Europe

Cultural relations Recording by Library Aid Africa


Mobility Webinar: City-led International Cultural Mobility

 Cultural relations Recording by On the Move

Opportunities

Dreaming New Worlds 2026

Cultural relations 19.05.2026 Open call by Goethe Institut



GreenBeat Nexus: Survey about Your Needs and Ideas to Accelerate the Green Transition of the European Music Ecosystem

Green transition  31.05.2026 Survey by GreenBeat Nexus


State of Culture Barometer 2026

Cultural relations  31.05.2026 Survey by Culture Action Europe


Call for Proposals: Spaces of Culture 2026

Cultural relations  21.06.2026 Call for applications by EUNIC

Multimedia

UNESCO Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects

Cultural heritage Digital Museum by UNESCO


War on Art

Cultural heritage Documentary by Andrzej Miekus



Africa's Green Colonialism

 Cultural relations  Documentary by ARTE

The views expressed in cS Explores do not represent the official position of culture Solutions.

cS Enjoys

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S+T+ARTS Prize BUEN-TEK
The 2026 winners of the STARTS Prize and STARTS Prize Africa have been announced, celebrating projects at the intersection of science, technology and the arts.


The selected works address social, environmental and technological challenges through creative and interdisciplinary approaches, highlighting the role of culture and innovation in shaping more sustainable and inclusive futures.

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Venise : la fondation Dries Van Noten dévoile son exposition inaugurale

The Fondazione Dries Van Noten has unveiled its inaugural exhibition, "The Only True Protest Is Beauty", at Venice's historic Palazzo Pisani Moretta. Bringing together fashion, art and craftsmanship, the exhibition explores beauty as a form of reflection and resistance through the work of established and emerging creatives.

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Postcolonial?

The House of European History in Brussels has opened a new exhibition that asks a question Europe has long avoided: what does it really mean to be postcolonial? From the foundations of colonialism to its afterlives in newly independent states and in Europe today, "Postcolonial?" brings together artworks, historical objects and personal voices for a collective moment of reflection. Free and open to all, it runs until March 2027.

Collaborate

Become a partner

Our network of partners includes both the EU institutions and the cultural sector. Contact us now to establish a partnership with cS.



> SEE PARTNERS

Join us

We are currently looking for new collaborators. Apply now! Erasmus+ interns welcome.



> SEE VACANCIES

Speak up

Donate 

cS is a non-profit organisation and our collaborators work pro bono. Help us continue creating commons in the sphere of EU international cultural relations.



> DONATE

Photo credits (top-left to bottom-right): 1. A Venetian Covered Market by Oscar Björck, Nationalmuseum Sweden. Public Domain.  2. East Indian Market Stall in Batavia by Albert Eckhout, Rijksmuseum. Public Domain. 3. A Fish Market by Egbert van der Poel, Mauritshuis. Public Domain. . 4. The Chinese Market by François Boucher, Rijksmuseum. Public Domain.


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