The networking platform for information on European arts and culture. Linking you across borders.

Why build it?To fill an info gap: “Culture cooperation across Europe”

4th Culturemondo Roundtable Taiwan 10-12-2008

Who initiated? European Culture FoundationKey characteristics: independent & transnational

Gottfried Wagner, Director ECF

Investment:• Pilot Phase 60% private (foundations) 40% public

• 2008 75% private (foundations) 25% public

Who uses it?

Broader Europe

“Europe” = 50 countriesnot only the European Union

Region in focus shines a spotlight on lesser-known or under-exposed countries, culturally diverse regions or particular cities where various cultures live together.

Who uses it?Professionally-facing: doers (and thinkers too)

6 languages: Deutsch, English, Español, Français, Italiano, Polski

700,000 visits in 2008

What?Information [web1.0]: Organisations, people, projects, funding, networks, etc.

What?Connecting [web2.0]: Harnessing participation – whose knowledge is it anyway?

Challenges?Managing the intersection of [web1.0] and [web2.0]

Challenges?How digitally open is the cultural sector?

Challenges?• Building grass-roots ownership of a top-down initiative

• Being understood: what exactly IS: “digital culture”

• Juggling and balancing expectations

• Financing

Katherine Watson , Directorkatherine@labforculture.org

Roemer Visscherstraat 181054 EX AmsterdamThe Netherlands

Hans Peter ChristenFinance Assistant

Ashley GrandischTechnical and Web Support

Timothée GuicherdWebsite Editor

Pieter van KemenadeTechnical Development

Nicola MullengerMarketing & Communications

Gunilla RedeliusOffice Manager

Lidia VarbanovaSenior Consultant

Tel: +31 (0) 20 412 10 17Fax: +31 (0) 20 412 24 68Email: info@labforculture.org

LabforCulture Team (Amsterdam)