Pillar 2:
Inclusion in culture and through culture

Priority 16:
Increasing citizens’ participation in developing and implementing cultural policies

The Cultural Affairs Department of Essen, in collaboration with Dr. Sabine Sutter / STUDIO WUNDERMATERIAL organise #realitycheckkultur® as part of the Folkwang 2022-2032 process, the city’s ten-year cultural and urban-development plan.  

#realitycheckkultur® places young people at the centre of decision-making processes in the city’s cultural sector by creating an advisory team of nine to twelve young people who form the “Experts of the Future”. The teams include young people with disabilities, the so-called “non-attendees” of cultural events, and other young people from a range of backgrounds. Their task is to identify the barriers that prevent young people from accessing cultural opportunities and provide recommendations on behalf of their generation. All participants receive remuneration of 15€ per hour, as recognition for their expertise. 

Each year, the advisory team works with three different cultural institutions, for which they present tailored recommendations for action, based on the obstacles, gaps, and successful practices they have identified. This results in a set of practical and user-oriented ideas that help cultural organisations become more accessible, inclusive, and attractive to young audiences. 

By paying attention to young people’s voices and using their input to inform decision-making, #realitycheckkultur® promotes youth democratic participation and empowerment while fostering social cohesion.