Leading in Context: A European Network for Community Music and Social Cohesion

This project aims to build and consolidate a European partnership connecting higher education institutions around shared societal challenges in Europe, including inclusion, social cohesion, poverty, polarisation, and the participation of unheard voices. Community music is used as a collaborative vehicle to connect local practices with European priorities and explore how cultural participation contributes to more resilient, inclusive societies.
The consortium brings together three core partners: Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA, Netherlands), University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW, Austria/Vienna) and Iceland University of the Arts (IUA, Reykjavik). Together, these institutions aim to establish a sustainable European network that connects regional expertise with European research and innovation agendas. The collaboration focuses on developing shared approaches to situational leadership in community music practices, understood as the capacity to respond responsibly and effectively to complex social contexts.
The project concentrates on network-building activities that enable partners to align perspectives, define shared priorities, and create a strong foundation for long-term collaboration. Through structured meetings, workshops, and joint reflection moments, partners will strengthen organisational alignment, define roles and governance, and prepare future collaboration at European level.
In addition to consolidating the core partnership, the project aims to strategically expand the network by engaging potential partners from South-West and (North-)East Europe, broadening the geographical and cultural scope of the collaboration and strengthening European capacity for shared learning and exchange.
A key outcome is the preparation and submission of a joint European funding application (Erasmus+ or Horizon Europe). This proposal will build on the established partnership and position the network within relevant European agendas related to social innovation, inclusion, and cultural participation. By investing in trust-building, strategic alignment, and shared governance, the project contributes to durable European cooperation between research, education, and professional practice, enabling future collaborative action on societal challenges across Europe.