We are a think tank advancing cultural policy-making by bridging research and policy.
At Culture Policy Room, we advocate for evidence-based cultural policies.
With a focus on Europe and with a global perspective, we offer insights and knowledge to policy-makers, advocates, and practitioners.
We work to create a space for critical debate and empower policies and practices to contribute to better decision-making and societies.
Insights
-
State of Culture 2026: Where Have All the Wild Punks Gone?
Culture is a huge part of people's lives. Yet today, the cultural sector is being defunded, attacked and questioned. Something, then, is fundamentally amiss in how we relate to culture.
-
We’ve got an imagination crisis. What does art have to do with it?
If societies are struggling to imagine different futures, what can art actually do about it? This article explores a paradox: there may be more ideas than ever, yet few of them grow into shared visions.
-
After Cultural Diplomacy
If the traditional paradigm of cultural diplomacy is increasingly proving inadequate, what might a new one look like?
-
Artistic Freedom in Europe: New Law Alone Won’t Make Arts Free
We hear more often than ever that artistic freedom is under threat. But where should we begin to ensure it is not only protected, but truly exercised?
-
Mondiacult, SDGs, and the Culture Goal
Justin O’Connor invites us to imagine a radical alternative to the current sustainable development paradigm, one where culture becomes the very lens through which we rethink development.
-
‘Culture as an Industry Won't Solve Sector's Problems’
We spoke to Professor Justin O’Connor’ whose book offered a powerful statement proposing a radically different narrative around culture.
Culture Policy Room
-
Valentina Montalto
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 Polivtseva
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 Kirjazovaite
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.
What we do
Shape
We provide insights, quality research, and evidence-based solutions to cultural policy debates and processes.
Feed
We work to connect policy, practice, and research by promoting best-case examples and cross-border collaboration.
Collaborate
We are open to collaborations with like-minded organisations and professionals. Do you have an idea for a research project? Contact us.
Advance
We drive cultural policy discussions by identifying gaps, mapping trends, and foreseeing future developments.