ENGAGE.EU Expedition in Mannheim: Culture & the City

The ENGAGE.EU Expedition+ is a one-week international co-design program taking place from October 5 to 9, during which Bachelor's students (in their final year), as well as Master's and PhD students, work together with experts and mentors to develop innovative solutions to real-world social challenges.

Across Europe, cities are reimagining how culture and creativity can serve as engines for sustainable and inclusive urban futures. Mannheim, a UNESCO City of Music, offers a striking example of this transformation. The city has long combined a strong industrial base with a rich and institutionally anchored cultural tradition: Creative districts, cultural institutions, and artistic hubs have shown, in many cities including Mannheim, that music, arts, and social creativity can play a significant role in revitalising neighbourhoods, strengthening social trust, generating economic value, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. At the same time, complex challenges and issues have gained importance: How can cultural innovation remain inclusive and socially grounded? How can creative economies contribute to fairer, more sustainable cities? And what models of governance and participation are needed to connect culture, citizens, and policy-making?

Application and more information at the ENGAGE.EU homepage