AMATEO - European Network for Active Participation in Cultural Activities

AMATEO is the multi-disciplinary European organisation that serves and promotes active creative participation in the voluntary and amateur arts. Founded in 2008, it includes 32 national and regional umbrella organisations and associations connected to a broad network of regional and local associations in all art disciplines.

The participatory arts are a vital aspect of civic life across the EU: approximately 38% of EU citizens are creators or performers of artistic activities. A large number of voluntary, paid staff and artists are employed in associations providing arts-based activities.

AMATEO sees active participation in the arts as a core value for a free and open society as enshrined in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Active participation empowers individuals to freely express themselves and promotes cultural cohesion, social inclusion and active citizenship.

2017-2020 CREATIVE EUROPE PROJECTS

The aim of the 4-year project ‘Arts Takes Part’ is to encourage national and regional associations, including local networks from the participatory arts sector, to operate transnationally and at a European level.

This project will include training and courses and the creation of a platform to share multilateral pilot work and exchange knowledge. The launch of the annual AMATEO award is also intended to raise the profile of the participatory arts and show the significant impact creative participation has on people’s lives.

In March 2018, a 4-day workshop called Connect will take place in the Netherlands for creative young people and organisations working in the field of performing arts with the aim of establishing a link with young people that are hard to reach.

In year 2 the focus will be on reaching out to marginalised social groups such as the elderly, ethnic minorities and migrants.

Throughout this period, AMATEO will carry out and publish research on the amateur arts as well as create e-learning courses and materials such as videos for new members, with the aim of holding an amateur arts week.