Culture Action Europe joins the Training for the Contact Zone (TCZ) project

We are happy to announce that we are one of the partners in the “Training for the Contact Zone” (TCZ) project, an ambitious initiative aimed at reshaping heritage and museum education across Europe. TCZ, supported by the ERASMUS+ program, is designed to address complex questions around “contested heritage” — historical narratives and artifacts that spark diverse and often conflicting perspectives within Europe and its communities. 

Europe is built on a centuries-long history; a history that is often perceived differently by the nations and communities in it. Historical monuments, artworks and cultural products are susceptible to different readings and interpretations. The suffering or achievement residing in the memory of the people of Europe can alter the prism under which all tangible and intangible heritage is viewed. 

Believing that to move towards a more united European future, we must first address and acknowledge the diverse perspectives that shape our cultural past. We have joined the Training for the Contact Zone project. Our partners in TCZ include:

• Conexiones Improbables (Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain)
• Etz Hayyim (Chania, Crete Greece)
• Goethe-Institut (Bucharest, Romania), in the lead for communication and dissemination
• Humán Platform (Budapest, Hungary)
• PELE (Porto, Portugal)
• Stichting Herengracht 401 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

The Training for the Contact Zone (TCZ) project aims to transform adult education in museums and heritage institutions by equipping staff with the skills to make these spaces more inclusive and reflective of Europe’s diverse cultures. By promoting a transnational perspective on history, TCZ seeks to foster social inclusion across cultural divides.

The project’s main goals are to 1) develop essential skills in participatory and intercultural approaches among cultural and educational workers, helping them engage more effectively with diverse audiences and strengthen their career prospects, and 2) enhance European unity and social inclusion by training educators to thoughtfully approach and interpret contested heritage. Through these efforts, TCZ encourages institutions to become more representative, dynamic spaces for all communities.

For CAE, participating in TCZ is more than a project; it is a step towards a Europe that honours all facets of its heritage and uses them as a foundation for unity, creativity, and inclusivity. 

As this project is just beginning, we wish all our partners good luck – we look forward to achieving great things together!