From 20 to 22 September 2023, Łódź will host the participants of the 12th Annual Council of Europe Cultural Routes Advisory Forum, which is the most important and significant event of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes programme.

The theme of the Forum is ‘Cultural Routes: the social and creative dimensions of cultural heritage in a post-industrial context’, and the event will bring together more than 300 participants and provide an opportunity for representatives of cultural routes from almost all European countries to meet and exchange experiences.

The Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Professor Piotr Gliński, has invited representatives of the Council of Europe, as well as the Ministers of Culture of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, to participate in the high-level dialogue within the Forum. “The debate will be devoted to the topic of building the identity of European countries on the foundation of freedom and solidarity”, informs the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which emphasises that the choice of Łódź as the venue for this year’s Forum refers to the importance of revitalisation processes for social development.

Post-industrial heritage is a testimony not only to technological changes, but also to the social processes that took place in the past. It is a reminder of the impact they had on the lives of different social groups. There is no doubt that this heritage has had a strong influence on the formation of Europe’s cultural identity.

The Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes programme was launched in 1987 to raise awareness of how the heritage of the different countries of Europe make up its common cultural heritage. The oldest route established at that time, is the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Over 36 years, the initiative has continued to grow and there are now 47 cultural routes that can boast the Council of Europe Cultural Route Certificate. The certificate is awarded once a year to legally established networks working to promote European themes and implementing activities in at least three Council of Europe member states.

Adrian Andrzejewski