Deventer Op Stelten PRO-Days 2026

Evolving Cities: from cultural subsidy to urban strategy
Urban Policy & Cultural Infrastructure Lab

As cities face growing social, spatial, and economic pressures, questions around public space, participation, well-being, and local identity are becoming increasingly urgent.

In this context, culture is no longer only understood as artistic programming or shared experience, but as part of how cities function, connect, and evolve.

DOS PRO 2026 is a new platform for exchange and reflection within the context of Deventer Op Stelten. It brings together cultural practitioners, policymakers, researchers, local businesses, and European cultural networks to explore how cultural practices already shape urban life — socially, spatially, and institutionally.

The 2026 edition focuses on one central question:
How can culture move from being supported – to being structurally embedded within urban development?

Programme

Throughout the day, participants will engage in live discussions, collective reflection formats and case-based conversations addressing topics such as:

• culture and public space
• local economies and urban identity
• civic participation and belonging
• long-term cultural infrastructure
• governance and decision-making
• trust, resilience and shared urban experience

The programme combines Dutch and European perspectives and is designed as an open working environment.

Confirmed and invited contributors include voices from:

• outdoor arts festivals and public space practitioners
• civic, artistic and cross-sector initiatives
• municipal and regional government
• European cultural networks
• research, journalism and urban studies
• local business and city marketing
• neuropsychology and public well-being

DOS PRO is envisioned as a long-term initiative developing alongside Deventer Op Stelten in the coming years – creating space for ongoing exchange between culture, governance and the future of cities.

A detailed programme and speaker list will be announced soon.

The working language of the lab is English.

Registration

An optional evening extension includes a backstage visit with PAN.OPTIKUM, a Germany-based company known for large-scale participatory productions in public space. PAN.OPTIKUM

Participation is free upon registration. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required.