EFC - Foundations to ‘get creative’ at EFC’s 2008 conference

The future of Europe rests on its ability to break new ground and encourage creative ventures in all walks of life. Its capacity to innovate and implement the necessary changes depends on the readiness of people to open up to fresh thinking, listen to independent voices, and develop a climate of mutual learning.

What foundations have done in the past, and what they can contribute in the future, in regard to this process will be examined at the European Foundation Centre’s 19th Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Conference, ‘Fostering Creativity’, to be held on 29-30 May 2008 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Foundations are in a unique position to support experimentation and contribute to developing cultures of creativity. But how ready are they to act as innovators or agents of long-term action, to explore more ambitious projects and roles? How can foundations update, recreate and redefine their missions? How can they influence the conditions for openness and creativity in society at large?

The conference will place a spotlight on foundations, questioning how they organize themselves to act as truly creative players; how well they anticipate or reflect the diversity and need for change in our societies; and whether they are prepared to act as role models, with long-term capacity-building and international collaboration.

Taking both an introspective look at the foundation community and a look at their impact and role in the wider world, the conference will interpret the theme of creativity in its broadest sense (innovation, risk-taking, adaptability, courage, new approaches, search for renewal) to highlight the many facets of foundation work that can be developed and inspired through use of this particular lens. The event will offer examples of creative approaches to tackling existing problems, challenge delegates to think outside traditional patterns and spheres of involvement, and initiate debates on new pathways and collaborations.

For further information
Contact the EFC AGA and Conference secretariat at aga@efc.be or on +32 2 512 8938 or visit www.efc.be/aga

European Foundation Centre
Chief Executive: Gerry Salole
T +32 2 512 8938
efc@efc.be
www.efc.be
www.europeintheworld.info