Culture, Community, and the Future of Europe: Reflections from the Poland25.EU Conference

On April 9, 2025, artists, policymakers, and cultural professionals from across Europe gathered at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw for a conference organized by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The event, held as part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, marked the 20th anniversary of the country’s EU membership. 

The main theme of the conference, titled “Young Artists – Challenges and Reality,” was an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of artistic work and the urgent needs of emerging creatives across Europe. The central question that guided the event was: What role does culture play in shaping the future of Europe? 

Culture as a Foundation of Identity and Community 

The conference opened with a powerful message: culture is not only heritage – it is the foundation of our shared identity and of society’s ability to defend democratic values. Representatives of EU institutions and ministries of culture from member states unanimously emphasized that cultural policy must remain a pillar of a shared European vision and development strategy. In the face of growing polarization, the war in Ukraine, and threats to democratic principles, culture offers a space for dialogue, remembrance, and hope. 

The 20th anniversary of Poland’s EU accession served not only as a moment of reflection, but also as a prompt to consider the future of European culture. Participants underscored the importance of supporting both well-established institutions and innovative artistic expressions that respond to the challenges and transformations of contemporary Europe. 

Art as a Space for Building Connections 

One of the highlights of the program was the keynote speech by Agnieszka Polska – a renowned visual artist and recipient of the 2018 Preis der Nationalgalerie in Germany. In her inspiring talk, Polska reflected on how contemporary art can serve as a bridge between personal experience and collective responsibility. She emphasized that artists possess a unique ability to create emotional and intellectual resonance that helps societies confront global challenges such as the climate crisis, information overload, and social fragmentation. 

Her call to perceive art as an essential element of social life – rather than a luxury – echoed throughout subsequent panels and workshops. 

The Health and Wellbeing of Artists 

A particularly timely and important panel focused on the health and wellbeing of artists. Moderated by Ana Zão, founder of the International Centre for Artistic Medicine, the discussion addressed the often-overlooked psychological and physical impacts of artistic work. 

Speakers – including WHO expert Nils Fietje, European Commission representative Monica Urian, pianist and composer Kasia Pietrzko, and Susanna Mäki-Oversteyns from the Finnish Arts Promotion Centre – highlighted systemic issues such as job insecurity, burnout, and lack of institutional support. They stressed the need for EU-wide frameworks that prioritize artists’ mental health by ensuring access to healthcare, support networks, and sustainable working conditions. 

The panel also emphasized the importance of caring for both the mental and physical health of artists as inseparable components of creative sustainability. It was underscored that ensuring the wellbeing of creators is vital to sustaining a healthy cultural ecosystem. 

The Future of Creative Professions 

One of the most dynamic and thought-provoking moments of the conference was the panel titled “The Future of Creative Professions,” moderated by trend analyst and founder of infuture.institute Natalia Hatalska. The discussion featured: Aleksandra Szymańska, Director of the Centre for the Development of Creative Industries; Jowita Michalska, founder of Digital University; Agnieszka Pilat, an artist known for using AI and robots such as those from Boston Dynamics in her work; electronic music producer Wojtek Urbański; and Maria Iglesias from the European Commission, specializing in international law. 

Hatalska began with a presentation outlining three paradigm shifts unfolding before our eyes: the move from Eurocentrism to a post-Eurocentric worldview; the transition from human-made art to so-called post-human art; and the transformation of the artist’s role from that of author to that of raw material supplier – a shift influenced by the growing role of AI in the cultural market. 

She posed a critical question: will artists still be needed, and if so – in what role? The panelists reflected on the consequences of rapidly evolving technologies, pointing to the need to redefine creative competencies, provide systemic support, and ensure fair compensation for artists in the digital ecosystem. 

The discussion also highlighted the urgent need to adapt education systems and public policy to the new reality so that creators not only survive in the age of AI but can actively contribute to cultural development within it. 

Toward a Shared Cultural Agenda 

As the event concluded, a common belief emerged: Europe’s strength lies in its cultural richness and pluralism. The discussions in Warsaw made clear that the EU must continue to invest in culture as a means to foster social cohesion, critical thinking, and civic engagement. 

The outcomes of the conference will shape Poland’s contributions to the upcoming EU Council Conclusions, including specific recommendations for advancing culture across Europe. 

Poland’s presidency offers not only a moment to celebrate the past, but also an opportunity to actively shape the next chapter of European cultural policy – one centered on people, creativity, and community. 

The full conference recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMX3s78sNuQ&ab_channel=MinisterstwoKulturyiDziedzictwaNarodowego