5 – 9 May: Step into Europe Day with the European Cultural Foundation

Europe Day is a moment when people come together. Across the continent, communities organise gatherings, conversations, exhibitions, and cultural activities that reflect what Europe means in everyday life. It is shaped not only by institutions, but by participation, dialogue, and shared experience. The European Cultural Foundation connects these local moments into a wider European picture. Through a shared agenda, a creative campaign with artists across Europe, and a series of events in Amsterdam, Europe Day becomes visible as something people can take part in, contribute to, and experience together.

Across Europe, much of this activity takes place at the local level. A discussion in a library. A workshop. A public event in a neighbourhood space. Each moment reflects a specific context while contributing to a broader sense of connection. The shared Europe Day calendar brings these initiatives together, making visible how people across the continent are creating space to meet, exchange perspectives, and shape a sense of belonging.

Alongside this, a campaign developed with Fine Acts brings Europe Day into everyday life through visual storytelling. Fourteen artists from across Europe have created a collection of illustrations that show Europe through familiar gestures and shared moments. People gathered around a table, walking side by side, supporting one another, or reaching across distance. The collection is designed to be used and shared, from postcards exchanged with friends and family to posters and pop-up exhibitions in public spaces. Explore and download the materials here:

In Amsterdam, a series of events between 5 and 9 May invites people to engage with these ideas through culture, conversation, and shared experience.

Domo Stands for Artistic Freedom – Liberation Day

On 5 May, Domo Stands for Artistic Freedom – Liberation Day, opens a space to explore how artistic freedom is practised across borders. Artists and cultural practitioners come together at Domo. Home for International Cultural Collaboration to reflect on collaboration, movement, and expression in real working contexts.

'Europe' at IDFA

On 6 May, Screening ‘Europe’ at IDFA, followed by conversation offers a closer look at lives across the continent through film, followed by a discussion between Caroline de Gruyter and André Wilkens. Together, they reflect on belonging, inclusion, and what it takes for Europe to feel like home.

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‘Plastic Sea, Perfect Storm’ – Pop-Up Photo Exhibition

Running from 17 April to 13 May, ‘Plastic Sea, Perfect Storm’ – Pop-Up Photo Exhibition invites visitors to engage with a long-term photographic exploration of Europe today. Created by Rob Hornstra and Arnold van Bruggen as part of The Europeans project, the exhibition brings together images that show how political, environmental, and social pressures are experienced in everyday life across the continent. A book launch on 7 May (16:00–18:30) offers an additional moment to engage with the project and meet others reflecting on these questions.

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Europe Day at Pakhuis De Zwijger

On 8 May, Europe Day at Pakhuis De Zwijger brings creatives, policymakers, and cultural organisations together to explore how culture contributes to connection, participation, and resilience. Through conversations on media, technology, and collaboration, the programme highlights the role of culture in shaping shared futures.

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Launching Common Ground

On 9 May, Launching Common Ground, ECF’s annual magazine marks the launch of the European Cultural Foundation’s annual publication, bringing together voices from across its network to reflect on libraries, literature, archives, and democratic resilience.

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EuropaNacht

Later in the evening of 9 May, EuropaNacht brings Europe Day into a shared night programme of music, art, and conversation. Artists, thinkers, and audiences come together to celebrate, question, and imagine Europe through performance and dialogue.

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Europe Day comes to life through these shared moments. Through images, conversations, performances, and encounters, people create spaces where Europe can be experienced, shared, and shaped together.

Whether you join an event, share the campaign, or add your own initiative to the calendar, Europe Day is an invitation to take part.

Illustration: Anina Takeff

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