The Annual ENCATC Congress is the only global event dedicated to the advancement of theory, education, research and practice on cultural management and policy. Each year, it gathers academics, trainers and researchers from the cultural management and policy educational fields with cross-disciplinary interests, cultural professionals, policy makers, artists, and students.

ENCATC is dedicated to sharing, exchanging and reflecting on world-class research and trends is part of the network’s aim to strengthen the European research area and to build knowledge societies. So far, more than 435 researchers and educators from around the world have benefited to use this international platform to present their work and gain feed-back from peers. Many have gone on to publish their research in ENCATC’s scientific publication, the European Journal of Cultural Management and Policy.

The ENCATC Research Award ceremony is held to bestow this Award upon the best and most relevant doctoral Thesis and to reward talent in the young and emerging research community.

Every year, ENCATC engages in a policy debate with the aim of identifying new business models, innovative funding schemes and investment practices in the cultural and creative sector. ENCATC members, academics, researchers, cultural operators, policy makers, economics experts and students are invited to attend.

ENCATC Academy was designed for the first time in 2012 to prepare academics, researchers, practitioners, policy makers, artists and students to deal with challenges in cultural relations and diplomacy. It is meant to offer an intense learning experience with a mixed methodology including lectures and seminars and enhance with experts from the field.

The ENCATC Study Tours aim to immerse participants in different cultural contexts, enabling hands-on learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and networking opportunities.

ENCATC remains deeply committed to supporting European cultural network leaders and arts and cultural professionals in fully harnessing the potential of new technologies to strengthen their competitiveness and ensure their long-term resilience. To advance this mission, ENCATC organises each year a series of four high-level masterclasses led by renowned experts, offering cutting-edge insights and practical guidance on the digital transformation shaping our sector. In addition, to enrich this learning experience and encourage meaningful exchanges, each masterclass is preceded by a networking breakfast, bringing together Brussels-based cultural leaders and representatives of European cultural networks headquartered in the city. This moment of connection aims to spark new synergies, share perspectives, and build bridges between local and European actors — reinforcing the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of our work.

The Cultural Happy Hours are informal networking spaces that foster community, trust, and the sharing of experiences in a more relaxed and creative atmosphere