Europa Nostra contributes to high-level Seminar “Cultural Networks in a Changing World” in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

Europa Nostra participated in the international seminar “Cultural Networks in a Changing World. What are they and what are they for?”, held on 9 July 2025 at the Cine-Teatro António Lamoso in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal. Organised by the Metropolitan Area of Porto (AMP), in collaboration with the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, the event brought together cultural actors from across Europe to reflect on the strategic value of cultural networks in the current global context marked by uncertainty, democratic challenges, and social transformation.

The one-day seminar served as a dynamic platform for exchange between artists, academics, cultural practitioners, policymakers and representatives of European and national cultural networks.

Europa Nostra was represented by Vanessa Fraga Prol, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, who took part in Panel 2 – “A Cultural Compass or a Cultural Deal for a Democratic, United and Resilient Europe?”, alongside representatives from Culture Action Europe and the European Cultural Foundation. The three organisations are strategic partners in the Cultural Deal for Europe initiative (www.culturaldeal.eu), a joint campaign advocating for culture to be placed at the heart of the European project. During the panel, Prol highlighted the transformative potential of cultural networks to act as democratic infrastructures and strategic instruments for advocacy, diversity and resilience — not only within the European Union, but also across broader geopolitical and social contexts.

“It was a day of intense work, committed reflection and deep dialogue with a single goal: to rethink the role of cultural networks as spaces of advocacy, freedom, diversity and social transformation,” — Suzana Menezes, Executive Commissioner of AMP and moderator of Panel 1

“We will continue, in and through networks, for a transformative cultural action.” — Gil Ferreira, Councillor for Culture, Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira

The seminar opened with a high-level session featuring Portugal’s Minister for Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation and civic engagement across territories. She was joined by Amadeu Albergaria, Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira, and Jorge Vultos Sequeira, President of the AMP Metropolitan Council.

“A new generation has emerged in Santa Maria da Feira—one that can no longer live without culture.” — Amadeu Albergaria, President of the Municipal Council of Santa Maria da Feira

“Today, the defence of culture is a matter of national urgency.” — Jorge Vultos Sequeira, President of the Council of the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP)

One of the most anticipated highlights of the event was the keynote address delivered by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture, and Sport. During his first official visit to Portugal, Commissioner Micallef presented the Culture Compass for Europe, underscoring the increasing significance of cross-border dialogue in shaping cultural policy at the EU level. In his address, he described cultural networks as “architects of dialogue,” emphasizing their vital role in upholding Article 13 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which guarantees the freedom of the arts and sciences.

The programme featured a diverse range of panels addressing key themes such as:

• The role of cultural networks in territorial development, featuring insights from Suzana Menezes (AMP) and Gil Ferreira (Santa Maria da Feira)
• A Cultural Compass or Cultural Deal for Europe, moderated by Cristina Farinha, with contributions from Inês Câmara (Culture Action Europe), Vanessa Fraga Prol (Europa Nostra), and Catarina Vaz Pinto (European Cultural Foundation)
• Culture in a Polarised Europe, moderated by Marta Martins (ARTEMREDE), with panellists including Julia Pagel (Network of European Museum Organisations), Telma Luís (Circostrada), Francisca Carneiro Fernandes (PEARLE), and Vittorio Bianco (European Network of Cultural Centres)
• National Cultural Networks and Emerging Priorities, moderated by Susana Menezes (Diretora do Teatro Luís de Camões) with contributions from Luís Filipe Santos (Director-General for Books, Archives and Libraries), Alexandre Pais (President of Museums and Monuments of Portugal), and Américo Rodrigues (Director-General for the Arts).

A notable highlight was the closing address by Jorge Barreto Xavier, Cultural Advisor at the Portuguese Embassy in France and Director of Camões – Centre Culturel Portugais in Paris. His keynote lecture, “Cultural Discourse, Voice, Networks and Power in a Changing World”, provided a profound reflection on the role of cultural mediation, policy and symbolic power in democratic societies.

“Cultural networks must evolve into infrastructures for advocacy and influence, capable of responding to the crises of democracy, climate, and belonging.” — Jorge Barreto Xavier, Cultural Advisor and former Secretary of State for Culture

Throughout the day, discussions delved into how cultural networks can act as bridges between sectors, scales and stakeholders, promoting public engagement, and shaping inclusive, future-oriented cultural policies.

Europa Nostra’s participation in this seminar is part of its continued advocacy for culture as a public good and a pillar of democracy, peace and sustainable development. The event further reinforced the importance of connecting European, national and local actors in the co-creation of cultural solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

Europa Nostra extends its gratitude to the AMP, the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, and all partners involved for their generous hospitality and for promoting this vital space of dialogue and cooperation in Portugal.