A highlight of the webinar was the presentation of the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (C3 Monitor) by Micaela Saisana, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). Participants gained insight into how the monitor can support evidence-based cultural policies by providing data and indicators that help cities assess their cultural and creative strengths and track progress over time.
The masterclass also included an interactive exercise linking the C3 Monitor methodology with the RECUP network’s Integrated Action Plans. Through practical discussions, partners explored how cultural initiatives can be monitored more effectively and how suitable indicators can be incorporated into local actions from the outset.
Key lessons learned included:
- Effective cultural policies require clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Data and evidence are essential for demonstrating the social, economic and urban impact of cultural initiatives.
- Common indicators can help partner cities compare results and learn from one another.
- Impact measurement should be integrated into project planning rather than treated as a final reporting exercise.
- Strong communication of results is crucial for building support among stakeholders and decision-makers
The webinar concluded with a discussion across RECUP partner cities. The session reinforced the importance of a shared approach to monitoring and evaluation, enabling cities to better capture and communicate the transformative role of culture in urban regeneration and community development.