Culture and regional identity

The Baltic Sea Region has an outstandingly diverse and attractive cultural life and a valuable cultural heritage. The EUSBSR focuses on strengthening and integrating BSR policy co-operation, with a view to develop synergies and to join forces.

The Policy Area Culture in the EUSBSR focuses on intensifying the dialogue and cooperation between the main BSR cultural players in order to strengthen intercultural networking, to improve the ecosystem for cultural and creative industries in the BSR and to strengthen regional identity. The positive impacts of culture and creativity on economy, employment, regional development, social integration and cohesion are proven. Culture builds bridges across borders and across social and political differences. The force of culture as a catalyst for social and technological innovations has to be better used and promoted.

BSSSC will:

Follow up the BSSSC policy paper on Culture – adopted in May 2018;
Advocate for better possibilities for the funding of cultural projects in the upcoming EU funding period 2021 – 2027;
Cooperate closely with and take part in the work of EUSBSR Policy Area Culture;
Continue the dialogue with the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture;
Support the Interreg BSR projects as an associated partner:

o BalticRIM („Baltic Sea Region Integrated Maritime Cultural Heritage Management“)
o Creative Ports
o UrbCulturalPlanning

Cooperate with the UBC Cultural Cities Commission, Ars Baltica and other relevant organisations and networks to join forces and look for synergies;
Support CBSS-led project Baltic Sea Cultural Cities;
Follow up the Cultural Planning approach as a tool to a better life in cities and better, more inclusive neighbourhoods.