The Addendum, coordinated by Portugal’s National Plan for the Arts, builds upon the original Porto Santo Charter: Culture and the Promotion of Democracy, by integrating the lived experiences and ideas of over 350 young people aged 16–30, from 10 European countries. Supported by 53 institutions, including international organisations, national and regional governments, universities, foundations, and cultural and youth networks, the Addendum exemplifies democratic participation and cross-sector collaboration at its best.
Reflecting NEMO’s commitment to cultural democracy and the empowerment of museums as drivers of social change, NEMO’s involvement ensured that the museum perspective contributed meaningfully to this youth-led vision. The Addendum explores six key themes that address critical challenges while proposing concrete actions for the cultural field:
- Cultural participation and citizenship - Prioritising the action of young people in decision-making in the field of culture.
- Inequalities in access to culture - Bridging the cultural divide.
- Inclusion vs. Hierarchies and Elitism - Challenging exclusionary cultural frameworks.
- Digital culture and ethical challenges - Promoting ethical digital engagement and AI literacy.
- Working conditions for cultural workers - Defending fair and sustainable labour practices.
- Cultural and Artistic Education - Reinforcing the connection between education and cultural institutions.
What sets this Addendum apart is its practical approach as it prioritises immediate proposals for action and offers real-world examples that can inspire implementation across different levels of governance. It is both a political and civic tool, designed to embed culture more deeply into democratic processes and policies.
More than just a document, this is a collective democratic endeavour that reaffirms the importance of power-sharing and inclusive governance in shaping cultural futures. NEMO encourages all stakeholders to bring the Charter and its Addendum into their communities and organisations, and to use them as concrete instruments for meaningful change.
