What is Echo?
ECHO is a unique approach aimed at transforming how young people engage with democracy through arts and culture. Led by DE/MO (NL) and partnering with Nxt (NL), Bios (GR), Public Art Lab (DE), Espronceda (ES) and Fine Acts (BU), ECHO is all about using art to spark conversations about five of the most pressing issues of today: AI, climate change, biodiversity, democracy, and migration. Funded by the European Union, ECHO sets up five Academies in five European cities, where young artists and creatives learn more about the topic and build impactful campaigns. Our goal is to bring complex political issues to life, making democracy more accessible for everyone.
I. Digitalization and AI
(DE/MO, Amsterdam, NL)
Digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming our world, offering incredible opportunities—but also bringing significant challenges, especially
for younger generations who will shape and be shaped by these technologies.
While these innovations open new doors, they also raise serious concerns. Surveillance capitalism is one such threat, where our personal data is tracked,
sold, and used to manipulate our choices, often without our knowledge.
Racial biases in AI, which can reinforce stereotypes and inequalities, affect everything from job opportunities to policing. Additionally, AI already has
and could have even worse effects on our democracies.
As we dive into this digital future, in Amsterdam we are going to ask ourselves:
who controls the data that defines our online lives? How do we prevent
AI from perpetuating social biases? And, most importantly, can we ensure
that technology enhances our freedom rather than eroding it?
for younger generations who will shape and be shaped by these technologies.
While these innovations open new doors, they also raise serious concerns. Surveillance capitalism is one such threat, where our personal data is tracked,
sold, and used to manipulate our choices, often without our knowledge.
Racial biases in AI, which can reinforce stereotypes and inequalities, affect everything from job opportunities to policing. Additionally, AI already has
and could have even worse effects on our democracies.
As we dive into this digital future, in Amsterdam we are going to ask ourselves:
who controls the data that defines our online lives? How do we prevent
AI from perpetuating social biases? And, most importantly, can we ensure
that technology enhances our freedom rather than eroding it?
2. Climate Change
(Espronceda, Barcelona, SP)
demands urgent attention, especially for us younger generations who will
inherit the consequences.
Urban heat islands —where densely built areas trap heat— are becoming more severe, posing serious health risks to residents in cities around the world. While these issues highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, they also underscore the importance of proactive environmental policies that reduce air pollution, promote green spaces, and support biodiversity.
In Barcelona we will therefore deal with the following questions: How can
we scale local urban solutions to address global environmental crises?
What role should cities play in combating climate change?
Hosted by Espronceda.
3. Ecology and Biodiversity
(Public Art Lab, Berlin, DE)
These challenges highlight the critical need for deeper engagement with our environment. They raise important questions about how we interact with and
impact the natural world: How can we foster a stronger connection between
people and nature? What steps can we take to reverse the decline in biodiversity
and restore ecological balance? And how can we ensure that our actions support rather than undermine the health of our planet’s ecosystems?
Hosted by Public Art Lab.
4. Migration
(Bios, Athens, GR)
to strains on local services. Despite these hurdles, Greece has also become
a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity, showcasing the strength
of communities coming together in the face of adversity.
So how can we continue to support and integrate migrants while dealing
with ongoing challenges? What more needs to be done to ensure that migration
policies are effective and fair? And how can we balance the need for security
with the commitment to humanitarian values?
Hosted by Bios.
5. Democracy
(Fine Acts, Sofia, BU)
As we grapple with these issues, it's crucial to ask: How can we rebuild trust in institutions that seem increasingly distant or ineffective? What role do ordinary citizens play in holding their leaders accountable and upholding democratic values? And how can we address widespread disillusionment to strengthen democracy?
Hosted by Fine Acts.