Cultural Participation The 14th Culture Next conference

The 14th Culture Next conference is focused on the theme 'Cultural Participation' and gathers in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, from 8 till 10 July 2025, representatives from 50 European cities and their young representatives (aged 18–27), together with local artists and cultural organizations.

Chris Baldwin is visiting the conference, also representing Plovdiv - European Capital of Culture 2019.

The conference, disguised as this edition’s Cultural Camp, offers an exciting and packed agenda featuring keynote speeches, presentations, and workshops centred around Cultural Participation with a special focus on youth at a European level.

Participants, alongside their chosen youth representatives, will collaborate and exchange insights, working towards shaping effective strategies for successful international cooperation and fostering meaningful cultural dialogues across borders.

The agenda also includes dedicated matchmaking and networking opportunities for all attendees, between both international and local stakeholders. In parallel with the conference, Arcadia, Leeuwarden’s ECoC legacy program, is in full swing with 100 days of artistic and cultural programming. At the heart of both the program and Leeuwarden is Bouwurk, a vibrant community-built oasis, which will be this edition’s hub. 

Culture Next is an informal, friendly and relaxed network dedicated to mutual support and collaboration between European cities which are current or former candidates for the European Capital of Culture title, awarded or not.