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Res Urbis
Brussels is the European Capital of Culture. The FMH supports numerous Brussels-based operators in the design and implementation of their projects, providing them with strategic and methodological support. This experience of providing support then feeds into the launch of the Res Urbis training programme, designed to meet the specific needs of urban cultural operators.
European-wide research programmes
In the wake of UNESCO's adoption of the Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the FMH is rolling out research programmes across Europe, equipping professionals to tackle issues of diversity, participation and cultural policy.
Arab Spring
The Arab Spring serves as a reminder of the power of young people and civil society to bring about change. The Foundation is strengthening its partnerships in the Mediterranean region and continuing to expand into Central and Eastern Europe, supporting the emergence of new generations of cultural professionals.
For cultural democracy
The Foundation publishes Pour une démocratie culturelle (Towards Cultural Democracy), a collection of Marcel Hicter's most important writings.
Launch of the European Diploma in Cultural Project Management
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, with the support of the Council of Europe, the FMH launched the European Diploma in Cultural Project Management (first session between Belgium and France). Throughout the 1990s, it built up a transnational network that now links Western and Eastern Europe.
The Foundation adapts and consolidates its programmes
Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and ecological and digital transitions, the Foundation is adapting its formats (hybrid, remote) and consolidating its incubation and training programmes in Europe and beyond, notably through the PIICC Morocco, Benin and DRC programmes. It continues to publish analyses and critical studies (initiated in 2003) that examine major trends in the sector and inform its actions: from democratisation to cultural democracy, from national education to lifelong learning, from culture as heritage to culture as a fundamental right and lever for sustainable development.
Culture and sustainable development
The attacks of 11 September reshuffled the deck. In the wake of the anti-globalisation movement, the Foundation incorporated culture and sustainable development into its training programmes and stepped up its activities in the Mediterranean (programmes in Morocco, Lebanon and Tunisia), combining international cooperation and civic education.
It increasingly partnered with artistic and cultural collectives to rebuild its activities. The Res Urbis training programme was structured around experiences gained since Brussels 2000, with the aim of providing long-term support to urban cultural operators.
Establishment of the Marcel Hicter Foundation for Cultural Democracy
Creation of the Marcel Hicter Foundation for Cultural Democracy. The FMH continues Marcel Hicter's intellectual and political legacy by placing culture at the heart of democracy and lifelong learning. Recognised since its inception as a lifelong learning organisation, it acts as a centre for training, research and advocacy, in constant dialogue with European and global geopolitical changes.
Transnational cooperation
The Maastricht Treaty introduced cultural competence for the European Union for the first time (Article 128). In this context, the FMH trains cultural operators in transnational cooperation and access to new European funding. It thus prepares stakeholders to take advantage of the future Culture 2000 programme, which will be the first major cultural support mechanism at Community level. The Foundation also participates in the creation of European cultural networks (ENCATC, Trans Europe Halles, EFAH), which will leave their mark on these years through their militant action.
Symbolic year
- The FMH becomes an observer member of civil society under the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, confirming its role as an international watchdog, liaison and influencer.
- The European Diploma in Cultural Project Management celebrates its 30th anniversary and now has a network of more than 5,600 alumni, cultural operators active in 50 countries: in Europe, Africa, the Near and Middle East, the Caucasus and North America.