From 15–17 October, the Horizon Europe project dialoguing@rts (d@rts) of which AEC is a partner, gathered in Klagenfurt, Austria, for its International Conference & Artistic Reunion, hosted by the Gustav Mahler Private University of Music. AEC Vice-President Elisabeth Gutjahr and Executive Director Finn Schumacker participated on behalf of AEC.
The three-day programme deliberately combined research and discussion with artistic practice. Alongside panels and keynote presentations, participants took part in project deep-dives, participatory workshops, performances and artistic interventions. Topics included cultural education in post-migrant societies, transcultural artistic practice, cultural literacy, diversity and heritage, and the role of the arts in creating spaces for participation and dialogue.
Funded with around €3 million through Horizon Europe, d@rts runs from 2024 to mid-2027 and brings together 11 partner organisations from eight countries across three continents, alongside 16 associated partners. Work undertaken so far includes policy and curriculum analyses in seven countries, a survey involving more than 1,400 professionals and 14 case studies. The project is also developing DIALOGART, a new participatory cultural education format being tested in regions in Germany, Italy, Norway and Serbia.
Preliminary findings show strong commitment among professionals working in the field, while institutional anchoring and long-term financial security frequently remain insufficient. This tension between enthusiasm at practitioner level and the lack of sustainable structures was one of the issues highlighted during the conference.
At the Klagenfurt press conference, another central message was strongly emphasised: access to music and music education is part of the fulfilment of cultural human rights. Opportunities to participate in music, learn music and develop one’s own musical voice should not depend on income, social background or place of residence. For AEC, this principle connects closely with the wider role of Higher Music Education in strengthening participation, cultural citizenship and social cohesion.
