Culture Converge 2026
Get your ticket here by May 4th, 2026
Promoting democracy through socio-culture
In their role as spaces for dialogue and cultural resistance, socio-cultural centres are uniquely positioned to actively protect freedom of expression, counter dominant narratives, and bridge divides between different parts of our increasingly polarised societies. At Culture Converge 2026 in Lisbon, we will discover, discuss, and collectively negotiate new approaches and strategies to empower citizens through socio-culture and nurture trust within communities facing fragmentation.
A reflection on digital practices and spaces
Today, tackling the issue of democratic participation also means rethinking our approach to the digital domain. Culture Converge 2026 will be an opportunity to explore ways to navigate the digital disruption critically and together; an invitation to conceive the possibility of digital practices and platforms that truly connect us, and, in some instances, of opting out altogether.
A transversal approach
Hosted by our member Carpintarias de São Lázaro, the event is open to both ENCC members and non-members from all over Europe and beyond. We welcome socio-culture practitioners and any other interested stakeholders, such as students, academics, artists, activists, representatives of civil society organisations, as well as local and European-level policy makers. We will learn from inspiring practices already in place, and work together to shape long-term, cross-sectorial strategies and approaches to the issues at stake, within and beyond Europe.
Like every year, the conference will offer a blend of panel discussions with high-level speakers, workshops, and informal moments of networking. Participants will also get a chance to discover and actively engage with the local socio-cultural ecosystem thanks to study visits and a rich evening programme.
Wednesday, May 20th
09:30 - 12:30 ENCC General Assembly (for ENCC members only)
13:00 - 14:30 Welcome lunch and registrations
14:30 - 14:45 Official opening and welcome words by the ENCC chair, event hosts, and local authorities
15:00 - 16:30 Opening panel + Q&A with: Femke Snelting, artist and designer developing projects at the intersection of design, feminism and free software, TITiPI; Sara Brighenti, Deputy commissioner of the National Plan for the Arts, Portugal, promoter and co-author of the Porto Santo Charter; more speakers TBC. Moderated by Connor Benedict, Carpintarias de São Lázaro
16:30 – 17:00 Up Grants 2026 award ceremony
17:00 - 17:30 Break with networking activities
17:30 - 19:30 Cultural visits (locations TBC)
19:30 onwards Rooftop dinner an networking time at the event venue, with open mic, jam sessions, and more
◦ In parallel: collection of feedback, reflections, and emotions by Medeber Teatro
Thursday, May 21st
09:00 - 9:30 Welcome and registrations
09:30 - 10:00 Keynote speech
10:00 - 10:45 Inspirational conversation with: Lea Bebek from DKC Sarajevo, other speakers TBC
10:45 - 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 - 12:30 Workshops by Up Grants winners
12:45 - 14:15 Lunch
14:30 - 15:00 Presentation of the ENCC publication on AI
15:00 - 16:30 Workshops by ENCC members
16:30 - 19:00 Local study visits / laboratories
19:30 Dinner and cultural programme
◦ In parallel: collection of feedback, reflections, and emotions by Medeber Teatro
Friday, May 22nd
09:30 - 11:00 Workshops by ENCC partners: "Community-based research for cultural policy: participatory methods from INTRACOMP, d@rts, and IN SITU", by the Institute for Cultural Policy, University of Hildesheim; "From local identity to systemic change: cultural agents shaping non-urban futures", by IN SITU partner Centro de Estudios Sociais, University of Coimbra; "Participatory co-creation of indicators of impact", by Anna Maria Ranczakowska, JuST project researcher.
11:00 - 11:30 Coffee break
11:30 - 13:00 "Tools, alliances, and next steps: how we strengthen democracy together", closing panel with: Ophélie Masson, Deputy Director of European Alternatives; Beatriz Cantinho, Assistant Professor at the Theater Department at the University of Évora, integrated researcher at CHAIA, and collaborator at CIAC laboratory at the University of Algarve; more speakers TBC.
◦ Reasoned wrap up by Medeber Teatro
14:00 - 18:00 Closing block party with street food, music, and more
Reaching the venue
Closest airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/336112741
Closest train station: Lisboa Santa Apolónia, Lisboa Sete Rios https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/11307500429
Closest long-distance bus station: Sete Rios https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/387760167#map=19/38.740673/-9.167477
Closest metro station: Martim Moniz (linha Verde) https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/898593442#map=19/38.717387/-9.136025
Closest bus stop: Rua de Sao Lazaro (Bus 760) https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6471133511#map=19/38.718190/-9.136366
Accommodation suggestions
Hotels:
Tings Lisbon https://tingslisbon.com/
Torel Palace https://www.torelpalacelisbon.com/pt/
A. S. Hotel Lisbon https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/454406210
New Style Lisbon Hotel https://www.newstyle.pt/pt/index.html
My Story Hotel https://www.mystoryhotels.com/pt/
Hotel Mundial https://www.hotel-mundial.pt/pt/sobre-nos/
Olissipo Castelo https://www.olissippohotels.com/en/olissippo-castelo/
Memmo Principe Real https://www.memmohotels.com/principereal/
Hostels:
This is Lisbon Hostel https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/244954498
Sant Jordi Hostel https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/5043170666
Neighbourhoods for apartment stays
Santa Maria Maior
Arroios
Graca
Estefania