While our societies seem increasingly fragmented and polarized and where the need for social bonds has never seemed so strong, how can cultural organizations reaffirm their role as spaces for socialization and social inclusion? What new ways of engaging audiences can they develop to attract populations away from cultural life, take into account their specific needs and reduce social determinisms in access to culture?
These are the big questions that stirred minds during the fifth edition of the European Art Explora Prize – Academy of Fine Arts organized at the Institut de France. The cradle of culture opened its doors to major players in the European cultural scene to celebrate the most innovative initiatives aimed at bringing art closer to the public. An event inaugurated by a round table around the subject “Cultural innovation: how to better take into account the diversity of audiences? “, which took place under the majestic dome of the Institute in the presence of sixty professionals from the European cultural sector.
The art of telling, and telling oneself
To discuss this major theme in terms of cultural action, Art Explora invited two representatives of former Prize-winning organizations: Elizabeth Galvin, head of educational and digital programs at the Victoria & Albert Museum and Fausta Pereira, co-founder and director of the Hirundo association. Winner of the prize in 2021, Elizabeth Galvin opened the discussion by presenting the project V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge, UK national program which encourages young people aged 11 to 14 to identify challenges within their community, then come up with innovative solutions using design.
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