Echo Academies & Events:
@ Amsterdam, November’24 – January’25
@ Barcelona, March – May’25
@ Berlin, April – June’25
@ Athens, October – December’25
@ Sofia, December’25 – February’26
ECHO is a dynamic European initiative that engages young people with democracy through art and culture. Led by DE/MO (NL), ECHO unites partners, Bios (GR), Espronceda (ES), Fine Acts (BU), and Public Art Lab (DE) to address five urgencies of our society: AI, climate change, biodiversity, democracy, and migration. Through thematic ECHO Academies in the EU partners’ cities, young creatives learn about these pressing issues and design impactful artistic campaigns that make complex topics accessible and engaging.
Starting in November 2024, DE/MO kicks off its ECHO Academy in Amsterdam, bringing together 15 young artists and thinkers (ages 18-30) – selected through an open call – to explore the future of AI and digitization. During the 5-days ECHO Academy the 15 young creatives collaborate in workshops led by artists and experts, discussing AI’s potential for efficiency and problem-solving alongside its risks—such as surveillance, fake news, and biases in models. In the coming 4 weeks they will create the ECHO Artistic Campaigns which they will launch in the ECHO Events and the Final Reverb Event backed by a dedicated budget, industry training, and real-world impact.
Academy Themes Across Europe
Digitalization and AI
Hosted by DE/MO in Amsterdam, this Academy explores the profound impacts of AI and digitalization, addressing critical questions like: Who controls our data? How do we mitigate AI biases? And how can technology be used to support democratic values?
Climate Change
Espronceda in Barcelona addresses the urgency of climate change, especially the urban heat island effect in cities. This Academy explores local solutions to combat global environmental challenges and the role of cities in promoting sustainable practices.
Ecology and Biodiversity
Public Art Lab in Berlin leads an Academy focused on biodiversity protection and ecological restoration. This Academy invites young artists to explore biodiversity loss, reconnection with nature, and how art can foster environmental awareness and activism.
Migration
Bios in Athens discusses Greece’s role as a migration entry point and the challenges of integration. This Academy addresses questions on how communities can support migrants while balancing societal needs and humanitarian values.
Democracy
Fine Acts in Sofia hosts an Academy on democracy, exploring the current challenges facing democratic systems. This Academy considers how citizens can rebuild trust in institutions and uphold democratic values.
Each ECHO Academy empowers young participants to create art that connects today’s societal issues with the future of democracy in Europe. Through the ECHO project , young artists inspire engagement, community building, and environmental action.
For more information, please visit echoeurope.eu.
The project is co-funded by the CERV-Programm of the European Union.
