Dr. Ana Žuvela participated on 14 May 2026 in the international scientific conference – symposium ARSUM2026, titled “Culture in Action: Empowering Cities, Engaging People, Measuring Impact”, held at the IPC Tehnopolis in Nikšić and organised by the University “Mediterranean” (ISCA) and partners.
The conference brought together numerous international and regional experts in the fields of culture, cultural policy, social sciences and urban development, with the aim of exchanging knowledge on the role of culture in fostering sustainable and participatory communities. The programme focused on topics such as the democratisation of culture and cultural democracy, strengthening the capacities of cultural institutions and communities, and monitoring and measuring the impact of cultural initiatives, particularly in the context of the Nikšić – European Capital of Culture 2030 project.
Within the morning session, Dr. Ana Žuvela delivered an keynote lecture addressing contemporary challenges in cultural policy, with a particular focus on the interplay between the paradigms of democratisation of culture and cultural democracy in the context of cities and European Capital of Culture projects. She particularly emphasised the role of cities from Europe’s peripheries in shaping new cultural imaginaries of Europe, as well as the need to critically question dominant, predominantly Western European-centred narratives of what constitutes European culture. In this context, she stressed that such cities, through initiatives like the European Capital of Culture, can contribute to redefining cultural values and policies at the European level.
Through its participation in the conference, IRMO continues to actively contribute to international research and professional networks and to the development of contemporary approaches to cultural policy and the role of culture in societal development.
