The art of valuing: between evident and evidence-based

IETM and Flanders Arts Institute gathered representatives of Ministries of Culture and Arts Councils from Europe and beyond for a two days Satellite Meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 February 2015. The meeting focused on the analysis of different models for measuring and demonstrating the values of culture and its impacts on societies, as well as the role such measurements play in informing national cultural policies.

The event started off with a keynote speech by Pascal Gielen, Sociology Professor of Arts and Culture at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, where he presented the main insights of his research report "The Value of Culture". Following to that, Abigail GIlmore (Manchester University), Péter Inkei (Budapest Observatory), Mercedes Giovinazzo (Interarts Foundation) shared their views and opinions on the topic during the panel discussion, moderated by Diane Dodd (IFACCA). 

On the second day, Wendy Were (Australia Council for the Arts), Laurien Saraber (FPK - The Netherlands), and Madeline Ritter (Tanzfonds Erbe - Germany) presented models for evaluating and monitoring arts practises from their respective countries, which were later discussed by all participants.

The Satelite Meeting provided the participants with an overview of current trends and good arguments to defend their national public budgets for culture. By combining plenary sessions, panel discussions and roundtables, it allowed exchanges and connections with foreign policy-makers, and provided inspiration and tools for national cultural policies, and hopefully arguments to advocate for a stronger cultural agenda in Europe and beyond.