Harnessing the power of Socially Engaged Arts

We’re stepping into an important moment for Europe’s cultural landscape. 

The European Union is in the process of defining its strategic priorities ahead of its 2028-2034 funding cycle, which will determine the types of cultural programmes that receive support and investment. We’ve also recently seen the launch of Culture Compass for Europe – the European Commission-led strategic framework designed to guide EU policymaking in the arts and cultural sphere, while addressing the multiple challenges facing the sector.  

Arts and culture can often be regarded as embellishments for aesthetic pleasure. But they can create dynamic spaces of engagement and social transformation, where communities can actively shape creative processes to address urgent societal challenges. CAE’s core belief is that culture is a strategic force for navigating today’s polycrises: from the climate emergency and health crises to social inequality, migration, the dominance of big tech, and threats to democracy. 

Grounded in co-creation and participation, these creative practices, which are often grouped under the umbrella term of “socially engaged arts,” foster dialogue, shift perspectives, and spark positive social change, paving the way towards a more equitable and connected future. This is why such practices must be included in EU policy dialogue at this critical moment, as negotiations determine the resources that will sustain the cultural sector’s future.

To meet this moment, we have developed a partnership with the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts (‘the Alliance’) – the Alliance is a philanthropic collaboration between 11 leading European foundations, hosted by the Network of European Foundations, that champions the power of socially engaged arts in driving positive social change across Europe. The Alliance’s activities include scaling recognition and support for the socially engaged arts field. Through this partnership, it seeks to bring these practices into key conversations on arts policy and funding, while highlighting their vital role in advancing cultural democracy, fostering social cohesion, and empowering communities.

Through this collaboration, we aim to highlight the transformative impact of socially engaged arts by providing platforms for practitioners and organisations – from community-based initiatives and participatory art projects to public art, and other socially driven practices – to engage with policymakers and key stakeholders. One of these platforms is our flagship advocacy campaign, Ask, Pay, Trust, which will give space to socially engaged arts professionals to play an active role in championing the inclusion of artists’ and cultural workers’ expertise in policy-making, advocating for fair remuneration and working conditions, and build trust in tackling social challenges through the invaluable power of creativity.