about us

1. CONTEXT

• High importance of transatlantic relations between Europe and the US politically, economically and culturally based on a rich history of shared values.
• New York as international cultural hub with high diversity regarding race, gender, and religion in a post-pandemic environment.
• Importance of private actors in fostering cultural activities and financial resources invested in the arts (philanthropy, incentives etc.), less public funding in comparison to Europe.
• Competitive market in the cultural field with a multitude of cultural institutions and initiatives covering all genres ranging from niche to mainstream („Everything happening at the same time“).
• Long-lasting existing institutional and non-institutional relationships between New York and EUNIC members in the fields of arts, culture, education, media and science.
• New York as global diplomatic hub for multilateral and bilateral relations (UN headquarters and EU representations with large number of missions, consulates, cultural centers) with a thematic focus on human rights and democracy, rule of law, climate, environment and energy.
• Wide range of internal structures and rules regulating the activity of EUNIC New York members.

1. CLUSTER MISSION STATEMENT
   
   

As one of 136 EUNIC Clusters worldwide, EUNIC New York is the European network of around 40 organizations engaging in transatlantic cultural relations. Since 2007, we bring to life European cultural collaboration, drawing on the broad experience of our members from all EU Member States and associated countries.

The EUNIC Cluster New York is a platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building amongst its members and partners.

Reflecting the extraordinary cultural diversity of the city and the attraction is has for artists and cultural institutions from all over the world, we add a specific European dimension and contribute to a joint effort with American partners celebrating European diversity and values in a post-pandemic environment.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• 19 members from 16 countries (Austrian Cultural Forum, Delegation of Flanders, Wallonie-Bruxelles International, Czech Center, Consulate General of Estonia, Embassy of France, Alliance Française, Goethe-Institut, Hungarian Cultural Institute, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Consulate General of Lithuania, Arts Council Malta, Consulate General of the Netherlands, Polish Cultural Institute, Romanian Cultural Institute, Consulate General of Slovakia, Consulate General of Spain, Instituto Cervantes, Instituto Camoes)
• 18 associated members (Albanian Institute, Arte Institute, Consulate General of Norway, Consulate General of Switzerland, Consulate General of Sweden, Institut Ramon Llull, Consulate General of Latvia, Consulate General of Iceland, Consulate General of Denmark, Embassy of Slovenia, Consulate General of Finland, Consulate General of Luxembourg, Consulate General of Greece, Consulate General of Ireland, Etxepare Euskal Institutua, Ukrainian Institute of America, British Council, Consulate General of Portugal)
• The presidency is elected by all full members every year. The 2024 Cluster president is Jörg Schumacher, Goethe-Institut (joerg.schumacher@goethe.de)

III. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

(According to the EUNIC Strategic Framework 2020-2024, each Cluster should decide whether it will focus on one or more strategic objectives, see: https://www.eunicglobal.eu/about)

Objective 1

EUNIC New York strengthens cultural relations by fostering cooperation between its members and local stakeholders.

• EUNIC New York involves local actors from civil society and the public sector, as well as European and international organizations. Our work responds to local contexts and is based on the principles of cultural relations.
• EUNIC New York provides New York institutions easy access to the multitude of European cultural organizations in the city.
• EUNIC New York fosters its existing strategic partnerships with the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in New York (e.g. by including their representatives in Cluster projects).
• EUNIC New York provides a platform for sharing information and best practices among its members.
• EUNIC New York strengthens the communication with other Clusters in the US.

Objective 2

EUNIC New York advocates for a prominent role for culture in international relations and is a strategic partner of the EU in cultural relations.

• EUNIC New York develops, tests and implements new formats of European cultural collaboration through sharing expertise among its members.
• EUNIC New York explores the possibility of strategic partnerships with relevant institutions in order to contribute to relevant research, general policy debates and cultural dialogue.

Objective 3

EUNIC New York enhances its capacity as a network to continue to be a reliable cooperation partner in cultural relations.

• EUNIC New York promotes and facilitates the work of its Clusters through coordinated Cluster fund applications and information-sharing on other funding opportunities.
• EUNIC New York enhances knowledge transfer, cooperation between members and partners and thereby strengthens its function as a platform.
• EUNIC New York investigates opportunities for professional mobility schemes, workshops and other capacity-building activities within the Cluster.
• EUNIC New York members enhance their pooling of resources as well as identifying and putting common activities into practice.
• EUNIC New York enhances its communication to deliver up-to-date content offered in a clear and original way to members and partners.