Communicating the needs of a sector in times of crisis: European cultural networks, advocacy and forward-looking cultural policies

Abstract

European cultural networks have been key actors in the European cultural sphere, but their advocacy potential has not been substantially documented. The Covid-19 crisis presented a unique moment for cultural networks to voice the needs of a sector, underline its value and contribute actively in forward looking cultural policies. In times where trust arises as a way to look forward, cultural networks provide the plat through a transnational perspective. The article examines the work of the European cultural networks from the early days of the pandemic until today through the advocacy lenses. Rather than providing an analysis of the main issues raised, the aim of the paper is to capture a moment in time that given its fluidity is in a constant evolution and make a contribution to understanding European cultural networks as transnational advocacy actors and rightful participants in the shaping of forward-looking cultural policies.