RECHARGE Academy

The RECHARGE Academy is a pioneering initiative that aims to bridge participatory practices and sustainable business models to revitalise the cultural sector. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and community engagement, the Academy looks to pave the way for innovative, resilient cultural organisations that deliver lasting societal value.

The RECHARGE Academy invites cultural heritage and creative sector professionals to register for the chance to participate in an immersive four-day programme designed to explore innovative, participatory business models that enhance the sustainability and societal impact of cultural organisations.

Programme Details

• Dates: 3 - 6 June 2025
• Location: Erasmus University Campus, Rotterdam
• Number of participants: 20 (selected via the application process)
• Cost: Free of charge and most of the expenses covered (accommodation, travel cost up to 300 euros)

Through an intensive programme blending expert-led sessions, workshops and networking opportunities, the RECHARGE Academy introduces participatory practices that can revitalise cultural institutions. Participants will learn how to involve relevant communities - whether volunteers, stakeholders, or corporate partners - to co-develop strategies that strengthen operations and broaden their impact. The programme draws on the Living Labs methodology, an open innovation ecosystem where diverse groups collaborate to drive change. Four key themes frame the Academy:

1. Research & Exploration – Introducing participatory practices and cultural participatory business models, and their application to new or existing services.
2. Co-Creation – Applying the Living Labs methodology to foster collaboration on real-world projects.
3. Monitoring – Measuring the impact and value of participation in cultural organisations.
4. Evaluation – Refining participatory actions through reflective processes and developing key indicators for success.

The RECHARGE Academy’s dynamic structure offers participants a balance of theoretical insight and practical application:

• Expert Sessions: Lectures, panel discussions, and roundtables led by globally recognised trainers and practitioners.
• Workshops: Hands-on, problem-based learning focusing on business model creation through real-life case studies.
• Participants’ Track: An opportunity for attendees to share their work, foster collaboration, and build lasting connections.
• Networking Opportunities: A social programme fostering meaningful interactions and engagement with peers and experts.

The perfect candidate

The RECHARGE Academy adopts a 'train-the-trainer' approach, empowering professionals to implement participatory practices in their organisations. The programme is designed for 20 experienced professionals representing cultural heritage and creative industries, creating a dynamic learning environment enriched by diverse perspectives. The ideal candidate is: 

• A mid- to senior-level professional holding a managerial or leadership role, committed to fostering inclusive and participatory practices within cultural institutions and the creative sectors. 
• Someone interested in the role of participatory approaches within cultural heritage organisations and their impact on operations and strategies in the cultural heritage industry. 
• Comfortable presenting to large audiences, open to collaborative group work, and proficient in English at a C1 level or higher.

Find out more and register.