Global Cultural Relations

Launched in 2011 under the name More Europe – external cultural relations – Global Cultural Relations works towards strengthening culture in external relations in Europe and beyond, based on the promotion of values of fairness, dialogue, and the recognition of the role of civil society. Whether it is through conducting research and studies, conferences and workshop or through concrete advocacy activities, Global Cultural Relations aims to encourage cultural cooperation between Europe and its partner countries and works towards fostering international cultural relations.

After more than 10 years of sound advocacy and strong partnerships, which saw, among other, the adoption of the very first EU strategy for international cultural relations. What used to be More Europe – external cultural relations now goes by Global Cultural Relations (GCR). It represents a promising development of the initiative, backed up by core members (Goethe Institut, Institut français, AFAC- The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Kultura Nova and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung) in view of future strategic orientations and willingness to reinforce multiple and diverse partnerships within Global Cultural Relations. The main objective is to continue building and fostering inclusive, reciprocal and fair cultural relations alongside with international partners.

Global Cultural Relations is a Brussel’s based independent and flexible initiative in the field of EU external cultural relations and international cultural relations at large and strives to build bridges between the European Union and partner countries through connecting cultural actors and practitioners on the ground in Europe and beyond, and  stimulates exchanges on the principles and practices of cultural collaboration, including opportunities, study of contemporary topics and address most pressing needs.

The initiative aims to co-create with partners and jointly develop pilot actions, test new initiatives and co-design priorities and strategic work strands for the future in order to inform international cultural relations and continue putting the topic high on political agendas.

Latest news, events and publications can be found at www.globalculturalrelations.org