European policymakers and arts education experts met in Oslo from June 15 to 17 to align strategies for integrating cultural rights into formal education. Representatives from the ACEnet and ENO networks, including Latvian delegates Ina Masule, Ilze Kupča, and Sabīne Ozola, evaluated the European Commission’s “Culture Compass” project to determine the future role of arts in continental policy.
How Networks Like ACEnet and ENO Shape Cultural Policy
ACEnet (A European Policy Network for Arts and Cultural Education) has functioned since 2002 as a bridge between government ministries and policy implementers. Its primary objective is to strengthen arts and cultural education at local and international levels. By gathering representatives from across Europe, the network facilitates the exchange of best practices from diverse regions, including Wales, the Netherlands, Flanders, Wallonia, Ireland, and Norway.
Parallel to this, the European Network of Observatories in the Field of Arts and Cultural Education (ENO) operates as a non-governmental organization with consultative status at UNESCO. ENO emphasizes research-based knowledge to support sustainable development in the arts. In Latvia, this work is spearheaded by two national observatories: the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art, and the Latvian Academy of Culture.
The Oslo meetings included a collaborative session with the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service. The agency presented its experience working with the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education.
What Is the Role of Arts Education in Civic Participation?
During the international conference “Inclusion in Action,” held on June 16, experts framed arts education as a platform for realizing the cultural rights of children and youth. The session served as the formal conclusion for the international “Mind the Gap” project.
Latvian delegate Sabīne Ozola, alongside co-author Baiba Tjarve, presented research titled “How Much Participation Is Enough? Enhancing the Impact of Civic Participation Initiatives in Latvian Formal Education.” The presentation drew on findings from the State Research Program project “Prerequisites for Authentic Youth Participation in Formal and Non-formal Education,” as well as initial insights from the Latvian National Centre for Culture’s ESF+ project “Cultural events as an instrument for promoting civic participation,” outlining Latvia’s achievements in the field of culture and civic participation.
What Happens Next for European Cultural Strategy?
The future of arts education policy in Europe is currently being discussed in the context of the European Commission’s “Culture Compass” (Culture Compass for Europe) project, which outlines the role of culture in future European policy. During the Oslo summit, stakeholders analyzed how this document will dictate the integration of culture into broader political agendas.
For Latvia, the commitment to these networks offers a tangible path to influence these high-level decisions. Discussions in Oslo included the potential for Latvia to host the ACEnet annual meeting in the autumn of 2027.
To track the development of the “Culture Compass,” practitioners should monitor updates from the European Commission’s developments. Engaging with national observatories, such as the Latvian Academy of Culture, provides localized insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of ACEnet?
- ACEnet connects ministry representatives and cultural policy implementers across Europe to strengthen arts and cultural education at local and international levels.
- How does Latvia participate in these networks?
- Latvia is represented by experts from the Ministry of Culture and the Latvian National Centre for Culture, along with academic researchers from the University of Latvia and the Latvian Academy of Culture.
- What is the “Culture Compass for Europe”?
- It is a strategic document project by the European Commission that outlines the role of culture in future European policy.
Are you involved in cultural education or policy? Share your thoughts on the role of civic participation in schools in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the 2027 ACEnet summit.
Worth a look