LIKE - European cities and regions for culture

LIKE - European cities and regions for culture is a network and public relations organization based in Lille, France, that focuses on the development and promotion of cultural policies across Europe. Founded in 1994, the organization operates as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between local authorities, cultural structures, and elected representatives. Its core mission is to bring together innovative initiatives from European territories to create shared tools and projects that strengthen the cultural dimension of the European Union. While LIKE is not a traditional PR agency in the commercial sense, its work in public relations and communications is geared toward advocacy, networking, and policy influence within the cultural sector.

Services and Specialties

LIKE - European cities and regions for culture offers a range of public relations and communications services tailored to the needs of local governments and cultural institutions. These services are designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and amplify the voices of European territories in cultural matters. Based on its stated objectives and network structure, likely services include:

• Strategic communications and advocacy for cultural policy development
• Facilitation of partnerships between cultural operators, citizens, and European political institutions
• Organization of conferences, workshops, and networking events for elected officials and cultural leaders
• Development of shared tools and resources for cultural project management
• Public relations support for local authorities to promote cultural initiatives at the European level
• Consultation and advisory services on European cultural funding and policy frameworks

Who They Help

LIKE primarily serves local and regional authorities across Europe, particularly those involved in cultural policy and urban development. This includes elected representatives, cultural directors, and administrators from cities and regions that seek to enhance their cultural offerings and integrate them into broader European strategies. The network also supports cultural structures such as museums, theaters, festivals, and community organizations that aim to collaborate across borders. By bringing together these diverse stakeholders, LIKE - European cities and regions for culture helps them share innovative practices and develop joint projects that address common challenges, such as cultural funding, audience engagement, and the role of culture in social cohesion.

Approach and Philosophy

The approach of LIKE is rooted in political commitment and collaborative action. The organization works to build a "Europe of Culture" that is shaped by territories rather than top-down directives. This means focusing on the needs and experiences of local communities while engaging with European institutions to influence policy. LIKE facilitates consultation among all partners—elected officials, cultural operators, and citizens—to ensure that cultural projects are inclusive and responsive. Its activities emphasize cooperation over competition, aiming to open as many fields as possible in cultural matters. The network's long-standing presence in Lille, France, since 1994, gives it deep roots in the European cultural landscape, while its focus on innovation ensures that members stay ahead of trends in public engagement and digital communication.

Location and Credentials

Headquartered at 165 Boulevard de la Liberte in Lille, Hauts-de-France, France, LIKE operates from a strategic location near the borders of Belgium and the United Kingdom. Lille's status as a European cultural hub—having been the European Capital of Culture in 2004—reinforces the organization's credibility. With over three decades of experience, LIKE has built a reputation as a reliable intermediary between local governments and European institutions. Its network includes a diverse set of members from various European countries, reflecting its commitment to cross-border collaboration. The organization's objectives—political advocacy, fostering cooperation, and working in consultation—are aligned with the broader goals of the European Union's cultural agenda, making it a valuable partner for cities and regions seeking to strengthen their cultural identity and influence.

LIKE - European cities and regions for culture is a good fit for local authorities and cultural organizations that want to engage more deeply with European policy networks, share best practices with peers, and develop joint initiatives that have a lasting impact. It is particularly suited for those who value a collaborative, politically engaged approach to cultural development rather than a purely commercial one. By joining LIKE, members gain access to a community of like-minded professionals and a platform for amplifying their cultural projects on a European scale.