The seminar brought together EUNIC cluster colleagues, partners from EUNIC-supported projects, and colleagues from the EU Delegation in Colombia for two days of exchange, discussion and reflection on cultural relations in Latin America. Participants representing 15 clusters across Latin America joined the conversation.

The seminar provided space for clusters to learn about the latest developments across the EUNIC network, to discuss strategic priorities for clusters in the region, to explore how cultural collaboration can respond to evolving social, political and cultural contexts, and to better understand the diverse local realities in which EUNIC clusters in Latin America are operating. The meeting also offered an opportunity to take a closer look at EUNIC's strategic partnership with the EU.

Regional insights and cluster collaboration

Day 1 opened with a regional focus, sharing insights into cultural relations in Latin America. Colleagues unpacked the dynamics and key topics that EUNIC members are facing across the continent.

Together, colleagues looked at approaches to cluster collaboration, focusing on common projects, case studies, governance models and approaches to communications - and addressed together common challenges that EUNIC clusters face.

Colleagues shared insights on recent EUNIC-led projects from: Uruguay, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Mexico and Peru.

The day culminated in a networking session focused on Bogotá, where colleagues had the opportunity to meet colleagues from other EUNIC member organisations, as well local cultural actors and civil society representatives.

EUNIC's Strategic Relationship with the EU

The programme continued with a closer look at EUNIC's strategic relationship with the EU, in conversation with Johan Eidman, Head of Political Section at the EU Delegation to Colombia.

A highlight of the seminar was the opportunity for colleagues to come together and discuss cultural relations work in challenging contexts and navigating political instability - looking specifically at how international cultural relations actors can remain relevant in increasingly polarising circumstances.

Colleagues from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile shared their views on how European institutes can respond to and anticipate challenges, both as individual members and as clusters, and how this could potentially bring the network closer to more structured regional collaboration.

Centro Felicidad Chapinero with EUNIC Colombia

A highlight of the meeting was an afternoon led by EUNIC Colombia colleagues, who took participants to the Centro Felicidad Chapinero - an initiative of Bogotá's Secretariat of Culture, Recreation and Sport (Secretaría de Cultura, Recreación y Deporte) that offers public services and spaces for the local community.

Over the course of the afternoon, participants explored Bogotá's cultural policy and internationalisation ambitions in conversation with Santiago Trujillo Escobar, Bogotá's Secretary of Culture, Recreation, and Sport. A panel discussion with representatives from the Colombian cultural sector on the value of international collaboration, South-South cooperation, and the social impact of the arts and culture.

Find photos from the seminar here.