As of April 1st 2018, a new exciting project has started: “CultureLabs” is funded by the European Commission’s Horizon2020 Framework Programme and will explore how culture and heritage can be instruments for social inclusion.
CultureLabs will develop a digital platform to support those heritage institutions such as libraries, museums and theatres who wish to work with communities from immigrant, refugees or migrant backgrounds to share cultural heritage and understanding. A quick description of the project’s aims can be found here.
Nine partners will work collaboratively across six countries and particularly on four case studies, two in Italy, one in Finland and one in the UK. This is a new approach to social engagement with new citizens and it’s about sharing information and culture both ways; with new residents learning the cultural heritages of their new homes and sharing information about their own history with their new communities. CultureLabs will support participation in culture and the primary focus will be on approaches that build positive awareness about communities’ own heritage and memories, and engage their members as bearers and producers of culture.
Professor Luigina Ciolfi 