European Culture Forum 2017

The Serra Henriques Foundation participates in the European Culture Forum since 2013, organized by the European Commission. Its 2017 edition will also mark the official launch of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.

The European Year of Cultural Heritage will put the spotlight on Europe's wealth of cultural heritage, showcasing its role in fostering a shared sense of identity and building the future of Europe.

Commissioner for Education, Culture and Youth, who officially launched the European Year of Cultural Heritage, said: "Cultural heritage is at the heart of the European way of life. It defines who we are and creates a sense of belonging. Cultural heritage is not only made up of literature, art and objects but also by the crafts we learn, the stories we tell, the food we eat and the films we watch. We need to preserve and treasure our cultural heritage for the next generations. This year of celebrations will be a wonderful opportunity to encourage people, especially young people, to explore Europe's rich cultural diversity and to reflect on the place that cultural heritage occupies in all our lives. It allows us to understand the past and to build our future."

The European Culture Forum is a biennial flagship event that raises the profile of European cultural cooperation, brings together the sector's key players, takes stock of the implementation of the European Agenda for Culture and fosters debate on EU culture policy and initiatives. In addition to the launch of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, this year's Forum will reflect on culture's role in tackling European and global challenges as well as on the contribution of culture and creativity to local and regional socio-economic development.