Education networks unite to extend cross-cultural collaboration

Three international cultural policy networks have united to speak out on education in arts management and cultural policy through a new manifesto that aims to improve the quality of cross-cultural collaborations.

The manifesto is the culmination of an eleven-month collaboration between Europe-based ENCATC, America-based AAAE and Asia-based TACPS, which collectively represent education and cultural institutions in 40 countries. It aims to provoke discussion among members and present the needs of educators, researchers, cultural operators and public authorities across the globe.

The issues raised include potential forms of collaboration, a commitment to global-level research, and respect for the value of diversity at all levels.

The three participating organisations have pledged to create a ‘network of networks’ as a platform for innovation and exchange in the coming months.

Commenting on the news, Katy Coy, Executive Director of AAAE, said: "Through the drafting of this Manifesto, we and our partners had an important opportunity to identify and articulate common values in arts and cultural management education. Now, as we engage our students – the rising leaders of this field – we are able to provide context for international collaborations and shared values.

“This document fulfils an important purpose and will be a meaningful and dynamic addition to our dialogues moving forward."

Manifesto

Billed as the “first-ever document of its kind” on arts management and policy education, the two-page manifesto calls for open collaboration and the sharing of teaching and research resources between and beyond the individual networks, and the creation of a space for international peer-learning.

It also stresses that research must take place at a global level to maximise benefits, and highlights the role that arts and cultural management education can play in stimulating investment in the cultural sector.
Discussions to shape the document took place earlier this year in Edinburgh and at the ENCATC conference in September.

ENCATC Secretary General GiannaLia Cogliandro Beyens said the document demonstrates “mutual benefit” for the three networks, and formalised a 22-year collaboration with AAAE and a five-year collaboration with TACPS.

“The document is also a clear proof of the wish of our three networks to start playing an active role in the global societal change instead of reacting to a pre-defined context for arts and culture management education,” she added.