Francine Houben appointed European Cultural Parliament member

During the annual meeting of the European Cultural Parliament (ECP), Francine Houben and three other prominent cultural representatives of Rotterdam were appointed a member of the organisation. Upon invitation by the City of Rotterdam and the Festival Operadagen, the 16th Session of the ECP was its very first meeting to take place in the Netherlands.

From May 11 to 13, about 100 artists and other cultural personalities from over 40 European countries discussed the ongoing European crisis, and in particular the possibilities for European artists/cultural actors to contribute to a successful integration of the new refugees, while defending European values of democracy and human rights. The session was concluded with the release of a declaration agreed upon by all members.

The other newly appointed ECP members are philosopher Henk Oosterling, opera and music theatre director Arlon Luijten, and the director of Theater Rotterdam, Melle Daamen.

Upon the initiative of the former Swedish Ambassador Karl-Erik Norrman, the ECP was founded in 2001 as a forum for independent artists, writers, musicians, historians, philosophers, designers, architects and other cultural personalities from all European countries. It provides a platform for dialogue, discussions and debate about crucial issues of importance for co-operation, democracy and culture. The objective of the ECP is to strengthen the role of cultural and artistic ideas and initiatives in Europe.

Learn more about the European Cultural Parliament.