Cultural Heritage and related participatory cultural activities have the potential to foster social cohesion and innovation in highly diverse societies and facilitate the social inclusion of migrants and refugees. Active involvement in cultural activities and co-creation enhances mutual understanding, civic engagement, and networking, contributing to representation and interaction across communities, and promoting their self-identification as members of a local, national and European society. This regards in particular – but is not limited to – the participation of migrant and refugees’ communities in cultural activities and the benefits they can gain from their interaction with established Cultural Heritage institutions and the valuable resources they offer.
CultureLabs project presents a Policy Paper, titled Cultural Heritage for social innovation and inclusion of migrants, and based on the findings of the research and its four piloting activities. Our paper discusses challenges and provides recommendations for an efficient and effective implementation of participatory approaches for social innovation through cultural heritage activities.
The document addresses policy makers at all levels interested in participatory approaches for social innovation; decision makers in cultural institutions interested in engaging with migrant communities; Civil Society Organisations seeking to involve both migrant communities and refugees as well as the majority population, in their response to increased plurality and diversity.
