European Placemaking Academy (EPA)

​​Public spaces are key to democratic participation and social inclusion, yet many European cities face challenges such as declining civic engagement, social inequalities, and a lack of inclusive urban planning. Many municipalities and NGOs often lack the necessary skills and mutual cooperations to implement participatory peacemaking strategies and practices, including professionals with migrant or refugee background, NEETs, etc. as adult learners). Especially disadvantaged groups often struggle with employment and social exclusion.

The European Placemaking Academy (EPA) project addresses these issues through Adult Education by equipping key stakeholders with placemaking tools to foster inclusive, democratic, and sustainable urban development and employment. Through digital learning resources, hands-on training, and transnational cooperation, the project ensures long-term accessibility and impact.
Therefore, the EPA project aims to enhance municipalities’ and NGOs’ ability to deliver adult education on participatory placemaking, promoting democratic engagement and social inclusion. 

EPA grows out of long-standing collaborations between CISR, Culture Goes Europe, Urban Foxes, Contextos, and Kirkens Bymisjon. Rather than offering ready-made answers, the project is about asking questions together and learning from what happens on the ground.

Over the project period, we will develop participatory placemaking methods and educational tools and organize a series of shared learning moments. These will include Urban Confest in Brussels, international training and study visits, and a Boosting Event with study visits and job-shadowing in Norway and Portugal. The work will be complemented by local pilot activities and an open digital space for sharing experiences and materials.