With 15 years of international experience, Valentina is a seasoned professional specialised in policy advice and indicator development for the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) and territories. Her work includes over 40 publications. Currently, she is a UNESCO International Expert on the Culture | 2030 Indicators. From 2016 to 2022, she led the 'Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor' at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Previously, she was a CCS project manager at KEA, a Brussels-based policy design firm. Believing in the operational value of data and research, she has consistently worked to build bridges between academia, cultural enterprises, and policy-making. ©Álvaro Cabrera&Goethe-Institute Madrid

Elena is an independent researcher and a passionate culture advocate. She worked as a Senior Researcher at IFACCA (International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies) and a Head of Policy and Research at IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts). Elena authored several publications on cultural policies and funding strategies, and artists’ working conditions. She was one of the co-initiators and a project manager of Perform Europe, a Board member at Culture Action Europe, and a Consultant at UNESCO. Believing in the power of knowledge-driven advocacy, she is dedicated to ensuring that insights from the cultural field inform and shape effective policies.

Lina is a practitioner and researcher in the field of culture and cultural relations. With over 15 years of professional experience, including positions at the University of Siena, the EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), and the British Council, Lina has been working with policy development in the areas of culture, cultural and creative industries, culture and development, peace and security and foreign affairs. Building upon her network among cultural professionals, academics, and policy makers, she aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Lina has published on topics related to the role of culture in international relations and is interested in the potential of culture addressing global challenges today.