The RECHARGE Academy is calling for applications from invite cultural heritage and creative sector professionals for the chance to participate in an immersive four-day programme designed to explore innovative, participatory business models that enhance the sustainability and societal impact of cultural organisations.
The Academy will take place from 3 to 6 June 2025, on the campus of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Through an intensive programme blending expert-led sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the RECHARGE Academy introduces participatory practices that can revitalise cultural institutions. Participants will learn how to involve relevant communities – whether volunteers, stakeholders, or corporate partners – to co-develop strategies that strengthen operations and broaden their impact. The programme draws on the Living Labs methodology, an open innovation ecosystem where diverse groups collaborate to drive change.
The RECHARGE Academy adopts a ‘train-the-trainer’ approach, empowering professionals to implement participatory practices in their organisations. The programme is designed for 20 experienced professionals representing cultural heritage and creative industries, creating a dynamic learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives.
The ideal candidate is a mid- to senior-level professional holding a managerial or leadership role, committed to fostering inclusive and participatory practices within cultural institutions and the creative sectors; interested in the role of participatory approaches within cultural heritage organisations and their impact on operations and strategies in the cultural heritage industry; comfortable presenting to large audiences, open to collaborative group work, and proficient in English at a C1 level or higher.
The organisers cover costs of breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks, accommodation, and travel (up to 300 EUR).
