As we were about to wrap up the day, AC Coppens, the fantastic host of the day, and Patricia Castillo, interim Chief Communication and Engagement Officer (iCCO) took the stage to explore the audience’s feelings in the final session of the day, entitled “The Moon on a Stick”. To their surprise, the audience seemed a bit reserved! Luckily, they had live polls to warm things up.

The first observation from reviewing the live polls was that everyone feels optimistic about the future of European CCSI. The belief that positive change is possible is the least we can do to appreciate the hard work initiated by so many extraordinary individuals.  However, this optimism is not unconditional. EIT Culture & Creativity is committed to carrying on this legacy and demonstrating that the time for European CCSI has undoubtedly arrived!

The second observation was that everyone is open to address the outdated narratives that have hindered CCSI’s prosperity. It is about time we bridge the gap that separates the creative industriesfrom the cultural sectors. Oftentimes this gap is a language one. EIT Culture & creativity feels compelled to explore and redefine meanings, and build a new glossary that brings us closer together instead of driving us apart.

The third observation was that we are working on fertile ground. Although imbalances persist across Europe, some local and regional CCSI ecosystems are successfully supporting innovation and enabling ventures to expand beyond their own markets. EIT Culture & Creativity aims to learn from these best practices and understand how they can be adapted to achieve similar results in other locations.

The final observation is that it will take more than just funds to create the conditions for European CCSI to grow and thrive. It will require collaboration, hope, and a shared vision to overcome siloes and egos. It will also demand courage. The good news is that courage is a matter of practice.