Domo Talks: Cities that Connect

On Wednesday 15 October, during the World Cities Culture Summit, Domo, the Amsterdam’s home for international cultural collaboration, asks: How can international cultural collaboration build solidarity and strengthen togetherness in cities and shared spaces?

Across cities and shared spaces worldwide, culture is recognised as much more than entertainment; it is a lived space for togetherness and empathy. Cities need places where we meet friends, neighbours, and strangers to engage in processes and negotiations that remind us we are part of a shared reality. From safeguarding heritage at risk, and supporting artists and their communities, to keeping libraries and community hubs alive, cultural spaces are where people create a sense of belonging.

We welcome you to Domo – Amsterdam’s new space for international cultural collaboration. Located at Nieuwe Herengracht 14, Domo opens its doors to international practitioners who show us how such spaces are created, cared for, and sustained through global connections, making them more inclusive, resilient, and imaginative. The event is moderated by Julia Muller.

15:00 Doors open

15:15 – 15:35 Opening – What is Domo?
Welcome by the Domo hosts with a short introduction of the partners, the story behind our shared mission, and why this conversation matters for the city, for culture, and for the world.

15:35 – 16:20 Session #1 – Cities as living rooms
Organisers: DutchCulture, European Cultural Foundation

Libraries, community spaces, museums, cafés, and storytelling houses are more than physical venues. They are cultural living rooms — places where people live their culture, build relationships, share traditions, and weave the social fabric of the city. These spaces play a key role for the city, by responding to shared urban challenges: from welcoming newcomers to safeguarding cultural memory, while inspiring new ways to nurture belonging. When such spaces connect across borders, they gain fresh tools and perspectives. In this session, DutchCulture and the European Cultural Foundation, will ask: How do the local and the international reinforce one another? And what is the added value of cross-border cultural connections for such ‘third spaces’?

Featuring Jacquill Basdew & Robin Stewart.

16:20 – 16:30 Short break

16:30 – 17:00 Session #2– Reflections from the World Cities Culture Forum

During this session, we will learn from Araf Ahmadali – Director Arts and Culture of the city of Amsterdam - about the importance of Amsterdam hosting the World Cities Culture Summit this year, and about the increasing importance of cities in nurturing international cultural connections and collaborations. Araf is joined by Victoria Mukha, Chair of the Commission on Culture, Tourism and Communications at Kyiv City Council, who sheds light on the resilience of Kyiv's cultural life during a full-scale invasion.

17:00 – 17:45 Session #3 – Cities as lifelines
Organisers: Cultural Emergency Response, Prince Claus Fund

Cultural Emergency Response and the Prince Claus Fund bring together voices from the field to share stories of moments when culture and heritage came under pressure, and when activating shared spaces helped restore a sense of belonging, agency, and community. Culture and heritage are central to shaping our sense of self, crafting our collective experiences, and helping us perceive the past to make sense of the present and imagine the future. In its many forms and expressions, culture provides the capacity to imagine paths forward. Therefore, protecting culture and heritage in situations of crisis means protecting collective imagination, which is not a luxury but an essential tool for communities affected by war, disaster, or political upheaval, to react and resist, and move forward on their own terms. Imagination is a vital aspect of building our societies, and culture and heritage are the backbones of its activation.

Featuring Nimalka Passanha & Raghad Saqfalhait.

17:45 – 18:00 Outro, closing & informal exchange 
The moderator highlights key insights and connections to conclude the sessions.

18:00 – 18:45 Drinks & snacks 
Informal mingling in Domo’s “living room” space.

This event is hosted by Domo’s four founding members: Cultural Emergency Response, DutchCulture, European Cultural Foundation, and Prince Claus Fund. This event is supported by the City of Amsterdam.