Urban Innovation Actions (UIA)

Urban Innovative Actions is an Initiative of the European Union to test innovative ideas and support urban authorities in their efforts to ensure sustainable urban development. It takes its roots in a strong commitment at European level to strengthen the urban dimension of EU policies. UIA contributes to the EU Urban Agenda and it is based on article 8 of ERDF. One of the 14 UIA topics is culture and cultural heritage. Under this topic, UIA acknowledges that cultural participation has a significant impact on residents’ quality of life, contributing to their well-being and their sense of belonging. The 5th UIA call for proposals invited urban authorities to propose community-based solutions in accessibility to and participation in culture and cultural heritage which can have a positive impact on growth and jobs, social cohesion and social inclusion. Most of the proposals submitted (105) proposed digital elements and tools to improve access and participation to culture and to increase social and physical well-being. The Commission has delegated the implementation of the Initiative to the Hauts-de-France French Region.