Join our new Community Group on Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas

Published 2 weeks ago

A group of people watch an outdoor show in a rural area

We are delighted to introduce you to the new EU Rural Pact Community Group on Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas, that we have launched together with CES as an extension and legacy of the IN SITU project.

About the group

This community group, that we coordinate together with the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra, provides a dedicated space for exchanging knowledge, best practices, and initiatives that highlight culture and creativity as catalysts for transformation in rural areas across Europe. Functioning as an extension of the IN SITU project and of our working group on Cultural Centres and Non-Urban Areas, Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas serves as a networking platform to share insights, foster discussion, advocate for change, expand opportunities, and build capacity.

The group aims to inspire and facilitate the development of collaborative projects, events, initiatives, and research among its members. It also aspires to act as a forum to share and debate key national and local policies that recognise culture and creativity as fundamental to tackling place-based challenges in rural areas, ultimately contributing to formulating recommendations for a more supportive policy framework.

Visit the group's webpage here.

How it works

All participants to the group are encouraged to engage and initiate discussions on relevant topics. Also, by reaching out to the group’s coordinators, they can share news, resources, and details of upcoming events. The platform also functions as a networking tool, enabling them to connect with each other. Each participant has an official profile showcasing their interests, affiliations, and other relevant information, to foster meaningful and enriching connections.

Join us

Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas welcomes anyone interested in the topic – cultural practitioners, community organisations, researchers, planners, policymakers, and more. To join the group, you must register on the Rural Pact Platform via an EU account. The process can be initiated by clicking on “Login or register to join this group” on the group’s webpage here.

NB: If you don't have an EU account, click on "Create an account" and complete your EU profile first. Then, using your EU account, log into the Rural Pact Platform and complete your Rural Pact profile. Lastly, request to join the Culture and Creativity in Rural Areas community group and wait for approval.

For a selection of resources on rural culture, browse our dedicated reading room here.