In September 2022, an initiative was born in the French city of Lille that fundamentally changes the view of the role of art and culture in the modern urban environment. The then mayor of Lille, Martine Aubry, initiated „"A call to action for a low-carbon and more inclusive culture"“, which by November 2025 has already signed 60 European cities and metropolitan areas. From Helsinki to Bologna, from Bordeaux to Kharkiv in Ukraine, mayors expressed a shared belief that culture is not just an accessory, but driving force of social and ecological transformation.

Two pillars for better cities

This ambitious manifesto is built on two fundamental pillars, which are divided into 16 priorities. The first pillar focuses on ecological transition in the field of culture, while the second pillar promotes inclusion in and through culture. Signatory cities commit not only to implementing these principles, but also to sharing best practices with each other, thus creating a pan-European innovation network.

Pillar I: Ecological transformation and responsible production

The ecological transition in culture is not just about reducing waste, but about completely rethinking the way art is produced and consumed. Cities like Bordeaux show the way forward – they established a new school in a former submarine base from World War II the first city recycling center dedicated exclusively to cultural institutions. The center collects unused exhibition materials and scenography, thus preventing 11 tons of CO2 emissions to date.

A similar approach was also taken by Lille at the exhibition Experience Goya. The exhibition was designed according to the principles „6 Rs“ (Rethink, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Recycle and Repair). By limiting the number of works on loan to 60, the carbon footprint associated with transportation has been significantly reduced. In Birmingham again at the Christmas show Little Red Riding Hood used up to 74.5 % of reused materials, thereby educating the youngest generation of viewers about the importance of sustainability right in the audience.

However, innovations do not only concern materials, but also the digital sphere and transportation. Toulouse is rethinking its digital culture and favoring formats like podcasts that consume less bandwidth and energy. Finnish Turku introduced joint tickets for transport and culture, thanks to which a ticket to a theater performance or hockey match also serves as a travel ticket for the entire public transport network.

Pillar II: Inclusion and breaking down barriers

The second pillar of the Lille Challenge emphasises that an ambitious cultural policy must create conditions for creativity and self-expression for all, regardless of social background. The French city of Lille is an example. Rennes, which opened in February 2025 a fine arts museum right in the heart of the disadvantaged Maurepas neighborhood. The goal is to remove economic and sociological barriers and bring art closer to the people where they live.

IN Amsterdam Inclusion starts in schools through the program Cultural coach, where more than 100 certified artists work directly with students, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. Similarly, a center was established in Ljubljana Horn, a collaborative space for creativity and sustainability that is accessible to anyone for a symbolic membership fee.

Culture as Medicine: Health and Well-being

An innovative trend within inclusion is „"cultural recipes"“. Cities like Bologna a Rennes are testing systems where healthcare professionals can prescribe free museum visits or art workshops to patients as part of treatment for psychosocial difficulties. This approach recognises cultural participation as a tool for enhancing mental health and wellbeing.

City Tallinn in turn, launched a special program to support cultural projects for people with special needs, such as blind children, who can experience art through smells, tastes, and touch thanks to interactive performances. Munich through the project #femaleheritage focuses on „gender parity in collective memory,“ filling gaps in history and archives where women’s voices have often been neglected.

Shared responsibility and participation

Many cities involve their residents directly in decision-making about culture. Turku uses participatory budget, where citizens vote every year on how to distribute 3 million euros to projects that directly affect their daily lives. In Lyon again young people within the committee Young Prog'‘ they curate and organize cultural events themselves.

These initiatives demonstrate that cities are at the forefront of the fight against the climate crisis and social exclusion. As Eurocities Secretary André Sobczak states, The time to act is now. and support from the European Union is essential for sharing these innovative solutions. JRi