Forum on European Culture is a biennial forum on the strength, impact and value of art and culture for Europe. The forum is an initiative of DutchCulture and De Balie. What are the cultural values that unite us? How can art and culture offer creative solutions for problems that seem to be splitting us apart? And how can European artists shape the future of Europe? Now more than ever, we must think outside the box of national borders, look at Europe with fresh and creative eyes, and rethink Europe from the point of view of art and culture. If the idea of Europe is to appeal to people in the future, it must be based on art and culture – for culture is what makes Europe. The first edition of the Forum on European Culture took place in June 2016 in Amsterdam. In the course of 3 days the FoEC welcomed 238 contributors from 37 different nationalities and 3700 visitors on 12 locations across Amsterdam. Prominent artists and thinkers such as Jude Law, Rem Koolhaas, Chantal Mouffe and Ivo van Hove engaged in the paradoxes and puzzles of European identity and culture. ABOUT THE FOUNDERS De Balie De Balie is a well-known platform and center for the freedom of speech, contemporary art, politics, culture, cinema and media, situated near the Leidseplein in the heart of Amsterdam. Their (daily) programs consistently bear the mark of a sharp and deeply analytical character. Through talkshows, cinema, art, debates and theatre, De Balie mixes several points of view in a wayward and creative fashion. DutchCulture DutchCulture is the strategic advice agency for international cultural cooperation, creating activities worldwide. DutchCulture works with – and for – the cultural sector, the government and the diplomatic network both in the Netherlands and abroad. DutchCulture is commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission.