Voices 2026
720 Virtual Flags of diversity and inclusivity as a shelter for art and performance
Location: 200 EPAS Schools
Date / Period: September 2026 / 3 days program
Disciplines: Arts and crafts
The Importance of Europe
Europe is becoming increasingly important; for example, a large part of our legislation is now determined at the European level. As the direct representative of the people in the European Union, the European Parliament plays a decisive role. Since the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force in 2009, the legislative powers of the European Parliament have been significantly expanded.
A European Network of Schools
The European Parliament Ambassador School program was first launched in the Netherlands in 2009. It has been further developed and adapted over time and has now been rolled out in other EU Member States, with the aim of creating a European network of participating schools. Approximately 2,000 schools throughout Europe are connected to the EPAS network!
Through this network of European Parliament Ambassador Schools, schools can establish partnerships, both within their own country and within the EU countries. This is done through the exchange of activities, teaching materials, and a website.
In a field of fluttering flags, bathed in sunlight and carried by the wind, the image of a renewed Europe unfolds. 720 virtual flags – symbolizing the number of seats in the Union – have been selected: every cultural form, every profession, every artistic craft, every art form finds its place here.
Languages ​​as living art: Each virtual flag represents a region or dialect and a cultural form.
In collaboration with the EPAS schools and cultural institutions, students are challenged to discover different languages, arts and crafts using QR codes or interactive apps.
For YCity, Oosterdok Amsterdam, Leta Spooren and Johan Lammerink produced the CD: “Texts on Public Space.” “Voices, regards from Europe,” recordings of EPAS contributions, is the follow-up; in the coming year, until September 2026, short films of artworks and performances will be recorded at various locations in the EU. These works will be compiled into the film “Voices, regards from Europe,” which will be shown in 2026 in (cultural) cinemas and online. A call for submissions will be issued later this year.
This project is a statement that European cultural values can flourish together.
- Secretary General of the Council of Europe about Voices: “.. we wish you every success with your project…” Strasbourg, 22 oct 2025
