After being named the next Cultural Capital of 2030, Larnaca’s agenda is already experiencing a busier events agenda, and lots more is on the way. This May, it welcomes the international conference Culture Next, which holds its 16th edition in the coastal city.

The network for the European Capitals of Culture will transform Larnaca into a meeting place for the creative and cultural industries on May 6, 7 and 8. A programme will unfold, touching on how cities and organisations can strategically invest in culture as a driving force for sustainable development, participation and innovation.

Representatives from around 50 European cities will meet in Larnaca to exchange ideas and best practices, discuss developments in their cities, and develop new collaborations. An open day for the general public is set for May 7, inviting the local artistic community to meet with the European cultural industry and to get to know the cultural ecosystem of the participating cities. Discussions will be held on policies supporting the field and on the experiences of artists working in conflict zones.

During May 7’s open day, a keynote speech will be delivered by Mary Ann De Vlieg on the role of networking, solidarity and care. By placing the focus on artists’ rights, the talk will examine how artists and cultural professionals can empower themselves and their community.

A panel session will follow, presenting inspiring cases from different institutions, ranging from practices of the European Institute of Innovation (EIT), to Ireland’s Basic Artists Income Scheme and to Al Mawred’s policies for empowering artists and culture professionals on a PanArab scale. The Toward an Equitable, Fair Creative Economy: Reflections on models and approaches will be moderated by Tom Fleming, the Director of TFCC and Member of the Policy Task Force of Culture Next Network.

The afternoon will also include a panel session where artists can respond and share their challenges and limitations, while the Local Focus event will give space to the Cyprus’ creatives to meet, network and present their work with conference participants. Best of all, all of this is offered with free admission and takes place in the English language! Just don’t forget to register online.

16th Culture Next Conference

Two-day conference for the Culture Next Network of European Capitals of Culture and an open day for the public. May 6-8. Larnaca. www.culturenext.eu