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Lorenzo Venezia, a member of the ENCATC Staff from the Research department, reflects on how the European Union supports the research in the cultural management field from the perspective of a young professional.

Q: How does the European project empower young people and help them find their place in society?

A: The European project plays a crucial role in guiding young people toward a sense of belonging and purpose by offering a clear vision for the future. While many young people feel a strong sense of European identity, there is often a gap in understanding how the EU directly impacts their lives. Visits to key institutions like the Europe Info Point and the House of European History shed light on the EU's extensive work and the complex process of European integration. These experiences help to bridge the knowledge gap and strengthen the connection between youth and the European project. One forward-thinking initiative to amplify this would be to create a dedicated space within the House of European History that highlights young people's contributions to EU activities and projects over the years. This not only celebrates youth engagement but also inspires others to take an active role in shaping Europe's future.

Q: How does the EU support young people in their cultural and professional growth?
A: The EU’s commitment to cultural education, professional development, and job opportunities is key to empowering youth. Programs like Erasmus+ perfectly embody the EU's "unity in diversity" motto by allowing young people to collaborate, innovate, and tackle common challenges such as job insecurity and climate change. My personal experience with Erasmus+ in 2014, when I spent a year in Finland, clearly demonstrated the transformative impact of these initiatives. It broadened my perspective, connected me with diverse cultures, and strengthened my sense of European identity. 
Expanding such opportunities within the cultural sector would be a meaningful step forward. It would align with the aspirations of many young professionals who wish to merge their passion for culture with their career paths, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive European society.

Q: What challenges do young cultural professionals face, and how can the EU better support them?
A: Despite the EU’s valuable policies — from NextGenerationEU to the European Green Deal — young cultural professionals often feel underrepresented. The main challenge lies in the lack of clear communication about cultural opportunities and the inconsistencies in educational standards across member states. There’s a pressing need for more transparency and accessibility. To bridge this gap, the EU should prioritize not only spreading information about cultural programs but also ensuring that cultural education and training are equally available in all countries. Moreover, integrating culture, media, and sports into broader EU strategies would reinforce their significance in building a resilient, creative, and inclusive Europe.

Q: How would you assess the EU's role in cultural education and research? Are there areas for improvement?
A: The EU undeniably makes commendable efforts to promote cultural education and research, but these areas are not always central to its policies. Cultural education and research are vital not only for enriching people’s lives but also for fostering critical skills necessary for the job market. However, the limited budget for education, training, youth, culture, and media poses a significant barrier. Greater investment is essential to sustain innovation and growth in these sectors.
Preparing young professionals for careers in culture goes beyond mastering artistic skills — it requires a broader understanding of the external factors shaping the cultural landscape. For instance, young people need to learn about the impact of AI on creative industries, the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones, and the benefits of cross-border partnerships. Expanding academic and research exchanges, both within the EU and with non-EU countries, would enrich the cultural sector and inspire new ideas.

Q: How can youth perspectives be better integrated into EU cultural policies?
A: For European policies to genuinely reflect young people's perspectives, active participation is key. It’s not enough for youth to be passive recipients of policies — they need to be directly involved in shaping them. Establishing platforms for young people to engage with EU representatives, cultural educators, and researchers would be a powerful step forward. 
Encouraging youth participation in policymaking processes — whether through think tanks, forums, or advisory boards — should become a standard practice. Creating direct channels for dialogue would ensure that young voices help shape the future of cultural education and research, making policies more representative and impactful.

Q: How does the link between culture and sustainability fit into the European project?
A: Sustainability and culture are deeply interconnected. While sustainability has united generations, today’s global crises — wars, inflation, and economic instability — threaten to overshadow these efforts. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Faro Convention, the EU must reinforce the bond between culture and sustainability. Cultural communities play a key role in promoting eco-friendly practices and preserving living heritage, but member states must also show greater commitment. Cultural education has the power to drive both sustainability and inclusion. The cultural sector, backed by EU institutions, can serve as a model by merging cultural innovation with environmental and social responsibility. Supporting initiatives that combine creativity with sustainability not only benefits the planet but also strengthens community ties.

Q: If you could propose an EU-funded cultural initiative, what would it be?
A: An impactful EU-funded initiative could focus on supporting youth-led cultural projects in small urban areas. These grants would target initiatives that enhance digital literacy, tech skills, and local economic and environmental impact. By empowering young creators at the grassroots level, this project would foster innovation, strengthen local communities, and align with the EU's broader sustainability goals. 
The initiative could also include an online platform where young cultural professionals share their projects, exchange ideas, and collaborate across borders — promoting both creative freedom and collective action.

Q: Based on your experiences, what are your top priorities for strengthening cultural education in Europe?
A: If I were an EU policymaker, my top three priorities for enhancing cultural education would be:
First, investing in youth and modernizing education. Developing a new skills agenda that reflects the evolving needs of both society and the job market is essential.
Second, promoting critical thinking and media literacy. By fostering informed and engaged citizens, we strengthen both national and European identities.
Finally, supporting research in underserved regions. Providing targeted funding for universities and research centers in less developed areas ensures equitable access to cultural education and resources.

Q: How can youth engagement in cultural policymaking be encouraged?
A: To boost youth engagement in cultural policymaking, the EU must create inclusive spaces for dialogue — not only among young people from different member states but also between youth and EU institutions. True participation goes beyond one-time events; it requires continuous conversations where young voices actively influence decisions about cultural education and research.

Q: How do you envision ENCATC's role in empowering future cultural leaders?
A: My experience with ENCATC has shown me its potential to further empower young cultural leaders. The network can play a pivotal role by expanding youth participation, encouraging collaborations between students, researchers, and educators, and creating spaces for forward-thinking discussions about the cultural sector's future.
By amplifying young voices and fostering innovation, ENCATC can strengthen its position as a cornerstone of cultural policy development in Europe — ensuring that the next generation of cultural professionals is both inspired and well-prepared.