Last month, the second edition of the Walk the Talk seminar brought together young people, cultural professionals, and policymakers to Visegrád, Hungary, for an in-depth exploration of youth access to cultural heritage in rural areas.

Organised by the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card in collaboration with the European Youth Card Association (EYCA), the Youth Department of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, and the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, this seminar focused on breaking down barriers that rural youth face in connecting with their cultural heritage.

The event introduced an interactive “Walk the Talk” format, allowing participants to engage with cultural routes around Visegrád, share ideas, and learn from experts on youth mobility and heritage. Emphasising the theme of preserve, transmit, and transform, discussions centred on making cultural heritage accessible, engaging, and relevant for young people.

Key Highlights:

• In-depth discussions: Sessions addressed structural challenges for rural youth, like limited transportation and lack of awareness, proposing real solutions for making heritage sites more reachable and meaningful for young audiences.
• Interactive exploration: A treasure hunt across Visegrád allowed participants to experience the town’s rich history, underscoring the importance of hands-on engagement with heritage.
• Cultural Routes of Europe: Participants joined the 13th Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, engaging in cross-border conversations about enhancing youth participation in heritage projects.

Read the full report here: „Access of Rural Youth to Cultural Heritage: European Youth Card’s role in promoting Cultural Routes”