Shared Futures: an open call for cultural facilitators working on the future of the sector

Shared Futures is a European cooperation project designed to build a shared working space at the intersection of culture, environment and society, at a time when the cultural sector is being called to engage with deep transformations that can no longer be addressed in a fragmented way.

The project takes shape from a clear necessity: to create contexts where it becomes possible to work on the construction of visions, to activate relationships between different actors, and to develop models capable of generating long-term impact. It is not about responding to a single need, but about building a process that connects artistic practices, environmental knowledge and strategic capabilities.

Within this framework, an open call is addressed to specific profiles: Social Dreamers.

Their role is central and operational. They are cultural facilitators called to work directly with diverse stakeholders, to lead workshops, to build spaces for dialogue, and to contribute to the definition of concrete tools for the cultural sector. Their work takes place in a space where facilitation, artistic thinking and vision-building intersect.

The programme unfolds along a structured timeline that includes moments of training, fieldwork and international exchange. It begins with an orientation phase and an in-person Social Dreaming Camp, and continues with a stakeholder engagement phase between July 2026 and January 2027, during which participants facilitate workshops, activate relationships and contribute to the development of stakeholder manifestos.

The final phase, between February and April 2027, is dedicated to the construction of a shared European vision, where different perspectives are integrated into a common framework.

Taking part in Shared Futures means entering a process that goes beyond content production, focusing instead on building tools, relationships and cultural models capable of shaping the future of the sector. The value of the project lies in its ability to transform dialogue between stakeholders into shared practices and operational tools.

The project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

OPEN CALL

The call selects 3 cultural facilitators, referred to as Social Dreamers, with an active role in facilitation, vision-building and stakeholder dialogue.

Who can apply
Individual professionals in the cultural and creative sector with experience in:
group facilitation through artistic practices
future visioning and scenario building processes
stakeholder engagement and management

Requirements
residency in a Creative Europe country
proficiency in English and in the local language of the selected profileability to work independently, operationally and collaboratively

What this role involves in practice
The role is operational and unfolds through a structured process:
facilitation of workshops with a specific group of stakeholders
co-creation of a stakeholder manifesto
participation in Lighthouse Events and Lighthouse Camps
contribution to the development of the Shared Future Vision Manifesto
participation in the development and testing of an AI-based tool for future scenarios

The work combines facilitation, artistic thinking, mentoring and interdisciplinary collaboration, transforming dialogue into concrete tools for the cultural sector.

Timeline
Open House online: 28 April 2026
Application deadline: 13 May 2026, 23:59 CET
Selection: by 10 June 2026
Orientation: second half of June 2026
Social Dreaming Camp (7 days): 27 July – 2 August 2026, Hungary
Workshop phase: July 2026 – January 2027
Future Vision phase: February – April 2027 (final workshop in Portugal)

What the project offers
Fee: approximately €7,500
Intensive training (7-day camp)
Ongoing structured mentoring
Access to a European network
Participation in international events and dissemination moments
Contribution to strategic outputs (manifestos, European vision, digital tools)

How to apply
Application in English.
Submission via form: https://forms.gle/PSH9qVvDwUNR4x8q6

Two-step selection process:
1. evaluation of the written application
2. online interview (for shortlisted candidates)