New Spaces for Culture: InnoCulture 2026

Published: 26 October 2026 Author: Dawid Gruew
Grafika konferencji InnoCulture: na tle morza widzianego z lotu ptaka logo InnoCulture oraz napis „November 18–19, 2026 | Hamburg”.
InnoCulture 2026 conference key visual, courtesy of the organisers

The third edition of InnoCulture, an international conference focused on innovation, cooperation and the future of the cultural sector in the Baltic Sea region, is set to take place in Hamburg on 18–19 November 2026.

Across the Baltic Sea Region, cultural and creative sectors are facing growing challenges: rapid technological developments, social fragmentation, and shifting political and financial priorities. To remain vibrant and impactful, culture needs new spaces in which to create, connect, and contribute to society.

InnoCulture 2026 explores how these spaces can be built: strategic, civic and political. Bringing together policymakers, cultural intermediaries, NGOs, municipalities, and creative sector leaders, the conference will identify practical approaches for strengthening the role of culture in sustainable regional development and democratic resilience.

At InnoCulture 2026 the concept of space is understood in multiple dimensions rather than primarily as physical infrastructure. It can operate on three levels:

  • Strategic space

    Create space: How can cities/regions create structural conditions for cultural and creative work? How can municipalities support creative ecosystems?

  • Civic and democratic space

    Share space. Culture, Inclusion and Democratic Participation: How do we engage young people and underrepresented groups? How can cultural initiatives support social resilience? How can we ensure freedom of art?

  • Political space

    Secure space. Policy, Sustainability and Future Readiness: How can culture gain stronger recognition and relevance in strategic policy planning? What sustainable funding models are emerging?

Registration is open until 4 November 2026. REGISTER HERE

Organised by the coordinators of EUSBSR Policy Area Culture (Adam Mickiewicz Institute and The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and Consumer Protection of land Schleswig-Holstein), together with Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, Ars Baltica, Baltic Sea Cultural Centre, and CCI Contact Desk/Goethe-Institut Tallinn.

InnoCulture 2026 – Practical information

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