Priority 14

The city launched Heilige Huisjes – Holy Houses, a festival focused on the modern role that places of worship play for culture, spirituality, and social gathering. The festival is jointly organised by the city of Rotterdam and De Kerkvernieuwers, and brings together cultural organisations, local authorities, residents, artists, and heritage managers.

The city of Cologne established a dedicated department for cultural participation in 2018 to strengthen its long-term commitment to inter- and transcultural diversity, inclusion, gender equality, LGBTQI+ visibility, and other socially relevant issues.

Bonn’s Sustainable Cultural Strategy 2035 recognises culture and sport as tools for climate action and social inclusion, directly supporting the city's goal to become climate-neutral by 2035.

As part of the Equal Oulu2026 initiative, and throughout 2024, Café Romano hosted biweekly events at Oulu10, an accessible venue, where Roma women led presentations on topics such as Roma history, clothing, music, and traditions. The aim was to create a welcoming and educational space, to increase visibility, support cultural expression, and involve Roma in planning and implementing cultural activities for Oulu European Capital of Culture 2026.

In Braga, the Portuguese Capital of Culture 2025, five disused kiosks have been transformed into exhibition spaces, amplifying underrepresented voices from across the city.

The Agent for Change role raises awareness among policymakers, public officials and private employers on racial equality to create an encouraging and welcoming environment for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) to participate in different sectors.