The research institution bringing cultural perspective to global policy.
Cultural Futures Lab is an independent Brussels-based think tank investigating how cultural innovation, equitable policy and cross-cultural dialogue can shape more inclusive societies. Established in 2025, we are working at the intersections of contemporary art, technology, social stewardship and cultural heritage to build evidence-based frameworks that advance equity and amplify marginalised voices.
Our Mission
Investigate global cultural innovation to advance equitable policies and practices that serve communities.
Through rigorous research, collaborative dialogue and evidence-driven advocacy, Cultural Futures Lab examines how culture shape and transform the world we live in. Our work will centre the voices of those too often excluded from cultural decision-making. We are partnering with critical voices inside communities to ask the difficult questions and uncover strategies for true innovation and change.
Why We Exist
Culture is a powerful force for social and economic transformation, yet cultural policy is frequently developed without meaningful input from the communities it affects. Innovation happens without consideration for equity. Heritage preservation is treated as separate from contemporary practice. Philanthropic investment reinforces existing power structures rather than dismantling them.
Cultural Futures Lab was established to address these gaps. At a moment when societies worldwide are grappling with rapid technological change, climate challenges, political turbulence and deepening inequalities, we believe cultural innovation offers credible pathways forward – if approached with intention, equity and cross-cultural humility.
We don’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, we create rigorous research environments and dialogic spaces where diverse stakeholders can explore questions that don’t yet have clear solutions.
Our role is to investigate, convene and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations that can reshape how cultural sectors operate.
A Cultural Future for Everyone
Cultural Futures Lab is based in Brussels – a city characterised by institutional complexity, multilingualism and remarkable cultural diversity. Our location offers a unique vantage point for investigating how cultural policy functions in contexts marked by fragmentation and plurality.
The city’s position as the de facto capital of the European Union and host to numerous international institutions provides proximity to policymakers and access to cross-border networks that inform our research. Brussels’ emphasis on cultural participation, accessibility and social cohesion aligns with Cultural Futures Lab’s values, whilst the city’s challenges with coordinating policy across linguistic and municipal boundaries offers instructive lessons for our global work.
Global Aspirations
Cultural Futures Lab is committed to expanding our geographic scope through partner-led investigations. We’re seeking collaborators in contexts where cultural innovation, equity challenges and policy development intersect in meaningful ways.
Future investigation sites will be selected based on:
We welcome enquiries from potential partners in all regions who share our commitment to collaborative, equity-centred cultural research.
Presence of strong local research partners
Unique approaches to cultural innovation or heritage stewardship
Equity challenges that require fresh policy frameworks
Opportunities for cross-cultural learning and knowledge exchange
Alignment with Cultural Futures Lab's values and methodological commitments
Our Values
Equity-first approach
We begin every investigation by identifying who benefits and who is excluded. Cultural innovation should serve communities that have been marginalised, not reinforce existing hierarchies.
Cross-cultural curiosity
We approach every context with humility and a genuine interest in learning. Our research avoids extractive practices and instead centres partnership, reciprocity and respect.
Evidence-driven advocacy
Our policy recommendations are grounded in tangible research. We combine multiple forms of evidence to build credible foundations for change.
Collaborative enquiry
Complex challenges require diverse perspectives. We convene stakeholders across sectors and borders to ensure our investigations benefit from multiple viewpoints and forms of expertise.
Forward momentum
We focus on future possibilities rather than past limitations. Our tone is prospective and action-oriented, emphasising what can be built rather than dwelling on what has failed.
