Open Call for Member Cities to Host the Next Conferences and Thematic Working Groups

Conferences 

Each will explore the agreed predefined themes of culture in enhancing well-being, audience engagement, and the sustainable growth of cultural and creative sectors. Each gathering aims to build capacity, strengthen connections among member cities, and support the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) programme. Member cities are encouraged to customise their approach while adhering to these overarching themes, ensuring relevance to local contexts and challenges.

 

Thematic Working Groups (TWGs)

For those eager to dive deeper, TWGs provide a collaborative framework to address pressing cultural topics. From exploring the intersection of culture and democracy to creating fair working conditions for artists, the TWGs aim to deliver impactful insights that feed directly into the conferences. These efforts align with Culture Next’s mission to integrate culture into sustainable development while reinforcing democracy, inclusivity, and innovation across Europe.

 

Conference 2028 in Cluj 

The 8th Conference under the theme “Advocating for ECoC reform, and SDG tool for culture” will be hosted by the city of Cluj as the secretariat of the network during Fall 2028. The main aim of this conference  will be to discuss and reimagine the need and possibilities of international cultural cooperations inside and outside the Culture Next Network. The results on the main policy papers of the CN Network, the ECoC reform proposal and the SDG tool for culture, will also be discussed.

 

All you need to know to apply for hosting conference or TWG 

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to lead the way in cultural collaboration and contribute to the long-term success of the ECoC programme. Visit the official application page for more details and guidelines.

 

Cities who have hosted a conference in the last 4 years period are excluded from this Open Call.

Timeline: 

• Open Call Launch – 16.02.2026
• Online Q&A – 25.02.2026, 10:00 CET (during the CN monthly meeting)
• Open Call Deadline – 16.03.2026, 23:59 CET
• Potential Clarifications Requests – 16.03.2026 – 15.04.2026
• Announcement – 17.04.2026

How are conferences and thematic working groups linked

The CN Conferences and the Thematic Working Groups (TWG) already have predefined themes. Members who apply to host these conferences must respect these themes and build the CN Conference program and the work of the TWG, in partnership with the Board and the Culture Next executive team, in respect of the themes pre-selected. 

Each thematic working group will use one conference for progress on the topic and the next one for the results of the TWG. (example: The TWG Culture for the Planet will use the 5th Conference for making progress on the topic, and the 6th Conference to present the results of the Working Group)

Application Process to host CN Conferences

Culture Next conferences take place twice a year. Agendas include keynote speeches, workshops, working sessions, networking activities for members, connections with other European networks and platforms, as well as a programme dedicated to exploring the local context.

Member cities are invited to apply as CN Conference hosts, with the opportunity to decide on the specific focus of each of the conferences based on their local needs. The CN Conferences provided excellent ground for capacity building, networking and exchanging expertise at the European level.

5th Conference

• Topic: Culture for the planet
• Description: The conference looks into the greening of ECoCs, builds capacity for member cities to prepare for future challenges, and has a more sustainable approach to their cultural programming. 
• Timeline: Spring 2027

6th Conference

• Topic: Digital transformation 
• Description: The conference aims to build the capacity of ECoC cities to embrace the changes driven by digital transformation, taking advantage of the new technologies to enhance their programming for ECoC bid-books and legacy programmes. 
• Timeline: Fall 2027

7th Conference

• Topic:  How to work on ECoC cultural dimension
• Description: The conference aims to build the capacity of ECoC cities to strengthen the cultural dimension of EU external relations, and be more active outside EU borders, within and beyond the Creative Europe participating countries, and contribute to fostering international cultural relations.
• Timeline: Spring 2028

8th Conference – It’s not part of the Open Call as it will be hosted by the City of Cluj 

• Topic:  Advocating for ECoC reform, and SDG tool for culture
• Description:  aim of this conference  will be to discuss and reimagine the need and possibilities of international cultural cooperations inside and outside the Culture Next Network. The results on the main policy papers of the CN Network, the ECoC reform proposal and the SDG tool for culture, will also be discussed.
• Timeline: Fall 2028

The responsibilities and benefits of a CN Conference organiser

The members who are assigned to organise a CN Conference must meet the conditions to have staff available to work with the Culture Next board and executive team in the preparation and implementation of the CN conference.

The hosting organisation is expected to cover the following expenses: 

• 2 nights of accommodation for 2 representatives of 30 Full Members

• Meals coverage as follows:

 

• Day 0 – Lunch and Dinner for the pre-meetings
• Day 1 – Lunch and Dinner for the Open Day
• Day 2 – Lunch for the internal day

• Coffee breaks during the day
• Technical and production costs
• Communication costs
• Parallel artistic programme if the case
• Speakers’ fees, transportation and accommodation

The hosting organisation is expected to book rooms for the Observing Members, but not pay for them. 

Each conference builds in the same format:

Day 0 – Pre-Meetings (PATF/SC meeting – ~ 10 people, CN Lab Meeting ~ 25 people)

Day 1 – Open Day (thematic keynotes and workshops, matchmaking and networking sessions)

Day 2 – Internal Day (ECoC-related workshops, internal discussions on the CN, therapy sessions for CN members)

We don’t encourage conferences to take place on the weekend, we recommend keeping the tradition of having the conferences from Wednesday to Friday, in order to avoid working on the weekend and allowing people to visit the places they travel to on the weekend. If you wish to still change the days of the conferences, please motivate your decision.

The target group consists of 50 network members representatives and 35 local stakeholders. Attendance of at least 80 participants should be expected.

The Conference’s hosting member provides an overall report according to the guidelines given by Culture Next Network executive team.

Full members hosting conferences are responsible for paying Culture Next the following amounts:

• 3.000,00€/year, referring to the full member fee;
• 5.000,00€/one-time, referring to hosting the CN Conference. 

Full members who host conferences are entitled to receive from Culture Next:

• All benefits related to being full members; 
• 25.000,00€/one-time + 4.000€ extra amount for the Lab Meeting on Day 1, to help support the costs of hosting the Conference. 

A specific contract between the Cluj Cultural Center and the responsible member will be established for the transfer of these funds.

They are also entitled to charge a fee of 300.00€/per person for cities participating in a Culture Next conference for non-member cities. If the costs per person in your economy are higher, you can propose a higher fee that must be agreed upon with the financial executive from Culture Next.

Selection Criteria for Hosting Conferences  

What is your proposed programme for the conference and how does it serve the overall topic defined for it? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

For 5th Conference: Culture for the Planet – The conference focuses on the greening of ECoCs and supports cities in developing skills for future challenges and more sustainable cultural programs.

For 6th Conference: Digital Transformation – The conference explores how ECoC can respond to digital transformation by using new technologies to strengthen cultural programming, bid-books, and long-term legacies.

For 7th Conference: Strengthening the Cultural Dimension of ECoC – The conference examines how ECoC can strengthen the cultural dimension of EU external relations and engage more actively in international cultural cooperation.

What is your motivation to host this conference and how does it serve your cultural agenda? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

• we focus on the public dimension and the public cultural policies that the city is putting into practice and intends to put in practice.

What added value do you think your city hosting this conference would bring to Culture Next? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

What is your capacity to deliver this Conference? What are your human, intellectual and financial resources that you can mobilise for implementing it in practice? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

If a city is applying to host a conference and has a representative on the board, that board member is excluded from voting for that specific conference.

Bullet points and structured answers are highly encouraged.

Board members have one vote each, the Executive Team has one vote together.

Application process to lead Thematic Working Groups

Culture Next Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) are designed as a framework in which member cities can address certain topics aligned to the network’s agenda, topics and of relevance for ECoC candidate cities and their current needs. 

TWG Topics	Description	Connection with Conferences
Culture for the Planet	Focus on how ECoC can build greener and more sustainable candidacies and legacies.  It also addresses the NEB and how it can allow for the development of better, more sustainable and inclusive practices in ECoC cities and in CCS in general.	The TWG’s process will be launched during the 4th conference (Fall 2026) and its results showcased during the 5th conference  (Spring 2027).
Culture for the Digital transformation	Focus on how ECoC can embrace and take advantage of the new technologies, making the digital transformation work for the sectors and for the people.	The TWG’s process will be launched during the 5th conference (Spring 2027) and its results showcased during the 6th conference (Fall 2027).
ECoC external relations	Focus on how ECoC can be more active outside the EU, fostering international cooperation within and beyond the Creative Europe participating countries borders.	The TWG’s process will be launched during the 6th conference (Fall 2027) and its results showcased during the 7th conference (Spring 2028).

The responsibilities and benefits of a Thematic Working Group Host

Members who apply to be a host and are given the responsibility of managing a Thematic Working Group must be available to mobilize staff to manage the TWG they apply for. 

Members can apply to organise a TWG and a Conference on the same or a different topic. In case the TWG and a Conference hosting members are different, members who manage the TWG and the Conference on the same topic must work together to ensure the correct thematic flow and ensure that the TWG deliverables contribute to the holding of the conference. 

Each TWG builds on the same format:

• The TWG hosts invites (in a format to be defined) a minimum of 10 professionals involved in developing the TWG and 30 professionals attending the online event. 
• Working session: Online working sessions and physical meetings of the TWG take place in formats and numbers to be defined with the CN board and executive team; 
• Public event: One online event presents the final report of the TWG; 
• TWG Report: The TWG presents a written report on the topic during the conference dedicated to the specific topic as described in the table, and when appropriate, the conclusion and policy recommendation from the report are integrated into the main policy deliverables; 
• Dissemination: 2 podcasts made with high quality production are made by the member responsible and published on the Culture Next website.

Full members hosting a TWG are responsible to pay Culture Next the following amounts:

• 3.000,00€ / year, referring to the full member fee;
• 2.500,00€ / one-time, referring to the TWG Management. 

Full members who host a TWG Management are entitled to receive from Culture Next:

• All benefits related to being full members.
• 8,000.00€ / one-time, to help support the TWG management; 

A specific contract between the Cluj Cultural Centre and the responsible member will be established for the transfer of these funds.

Who can apply to what:

	Full Members	Observing Members
Apply to host Conferences	Yes	No
Apply to host Thematic Working Groups	Yes	No
Participate in Conferences	Yes	Yes
Participate in Thematic Working Groups	Yes	Yes

 

A full member may apply to:

1. Host a Thematic Working Group (TWG);
2. Host a Conference
3. Host both the Thematic Working Group and Conference on the same topic
4. Host a Thematic Working Group on one topic and a Conference on another one
5. Cities can apply for more conferences and TWGs, but they are allowed to host only one each. 

Please mention your priority of conferences and TWGs if you are applying for more.

Selection Criteria for hosting TWGs

What is your proposed concept for the Thematic Working Group and how does this serve the overall topic defined for it? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

TWG3: Culture for the Planet – Focus on greener and more sustainable ECoC candidacies and legacies, including the role of the New European Bauhaus. (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027)

TWG4: Culture for the Digital transformation – Focus on how ECoC can use new technologies to make digital transformation work for the sectors and for the people. (Spring 2027 – Fall 2027)

TWG5: ECoC external relations – Focus on strengthening ECoC engagement beyond the EU through international cultural cooperation. (Fall 2027 – Spring 2028)

What is your motivation to host this Thematic Working Group and how does this serve your cultural agenda? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

• we focus on the public dimension and the public cultural policies that the city is putting into practice and intends to put in practice.

What added value do you think the Thematic Working Group hosted by you would bring to the work of Culture Next in perspective? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

What is your capacity to deliver this Thematic Working Group? What are your human and intellectual resources that you can mobilize for implementing it in practice? (25% of the total points, 999 characters)

Information and clarifications

CN’s executive team is available to provide further details to members which need more clarifications.

• Bruno Inacio – bruno@culturenext.eu – Membership Coordinator
• Andras Farkas – andras@culturenext.eu – Policy Coordinator (for TWG)
• Angeliki Lampiri – angeliki@culturenext.eu – Conferences Coordinator
• Darius Mindroc – darius@culturenext.eu – Project Manager

If you get selected to host a conference, you need to sign the full member contract before hosting the conference.

The decisions at the announcements are final and no contestations are received.

Extra Information

The topics for the conferences and TWGs are chosen and clearly defined by the European Commission. Here you can find the description provided by them for each topic: 

1. c)   Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture

The cultural and creative ecosystems in Europe and beyond are facing serious threats of both natural and human origin, with climate change in particular having a long-term impact on European cultural and creative sectors. It is essential that cultural heritage and the CCS be prepared for future challenges. It is high time to act on risk preparedness in cultural heritage and on strengthening cultural heritage’s resilience to climate change. The EU will continue, and will intensify, the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

Culture, including cultural heritage, contributes to the sustainability transformation needed to meet the objectives of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda. In this context, digital technologies also play a key role. Therefore, innovation in the cultural and creative sectors, digital transformation and the accessibility of culture and cultural heritage in the digital space must be further strengthened. The EIT KIC Culture and Creativity (1) will have a key role in this respect. It is also necessary to take a balanced approach to the built environment. Wide-scale promotion of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative could help raise awareness of the importance of quality architecture and built environment.

Furthermore, research and cultural statistics should be improved in order to be able to better monitor the performance of the CCS and develop efficient evidence-based policies to support them. Eurostat should play a central and increasing role in cooperation with other international and independent organisations working in the field of research and statistics in the CCS.

1. d)   Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of EU external relations

Europe’s cultural richness and freedom, the EU’s bottom-up approach rooted in civil society and the EU’s strong engagement in co-creation are strong assets for international relations from the perspective of building sustainable partnerships on an equal footing. It is highly important to make full use of this potential by not only increasing the number of cultural cooperation activities and projects but also their visibility and outreach.

Russia’s war against Ukraine is a clear indication both of gradually changing geopolitical realities and of the misuse of culture and heritage to help justify military aggression. Against this background, cultural co-creation can authentically underpin and credibly communicate our European values, including artistic liberties and cultural rights, in large parts of the world, and thus help contain the reach of authoritarian systems.

Bearing in mind the future of our planet and the common goal of sustainability, more cultural ambition for change and intellectual dialogue that paves the way for joint approaches in the spirit of the NEB (sustainable, inclusive, beautiful) is needed. Close coordination at EU level and the integration of culture into all relevant areas of the EU’s external action and into appropriate financial instruments will be key to strengthening the role of culture in EU external relations.