The annual meeting of the European network Oracle Cultural Network, titled Culture, Public Space and Democracy in Times of Disruption took place in Zagreb from 23 to 25 April 2026. As part of the programme, a discussion on cultural democracy and international cooperation was held at IRMO.
The Oracle Cultural Network brings together an international community of experts in cultural management and cultural policy, connected through the Marcel Hicter Diploma programme. It serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as for professional collaboration.
The discussion programme took place on 24 April in the IRMO library and featured two thematic sessions. The first session, New Approaches to Cultural Cooperation, focused on emerging models and practices of international cultural collaboration. The second session, Strategies to Foster Cultural Democracy and International Cooperation in Times of Disruption, opened a discussion on the role of culture in strengthening democracy and international connections in the context of contemporary social and technological change.
As part of the programme, IRMO’s research activities in the field of cultural policy were also presented, with a focus on projects carried out by the Department for Culture and Communication, including CULTMED project. The activities of the Culturelink Centre were highlighted, particularly those aimed at the development of cultural policy, international cooperation, and the promotion of culture as a public good.
In addition to the programme held at IRMO, participants visited several cultural institutions in Zagreb, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Pogon – Zagreb Center for Independent Culture and Youth, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and MaMa / Multimedia Institute. These visits provided insights into different models of governance and practice in the cultural sector.
The meeting offered a valuable opportunity for exchange, networking, and strengthening professional ties, as well as for connecting the international Oracle Cultural Network community with the local cultural context.
