ELJA Academy
The ELJA Foundation initiates research and expertise development in the fields of music, dance, visual arts, and community building through the ELJA Academy. The Academy aims to gain more insight into which programs and interventions have a positive effect on fostering connections among children and youth from different backgrounds. The knowledge and insights obtained are shared with cultural organizations, funds, and other stakeholders operating in similar domains as the ELJA Foundation to achieve maximum impact.
Impact Research
The Impact Center Erasmus conducts impact research on behalf of the ELJA Foundation at all partner organizations with multi-year programs. The outcomes are shared with relevant organizations in various ways to increase knowledge, improve existing programs, and develop new initiatives.
Scientific Research
On behalf of the ELJA Foundation, Prof. Dr. (Koen) C.J.M. van Eijck, Professor of Arts and Culture Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, has written a scientific publication on the Foundation’s principles.
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, the first ELJA Academy MeetUp took place in Amsterdam. Various cultural partners were invited to exchange experiences with experts, peers, and each other. This is one of the ways in which the ELJA Foundation contributes to the capacity building of cultural organizations.
The MeetUp also marks the official start of the impact research conducted by the ELJA Foundation in all supported multi-year projects. The outcomes of this impact research provide knowledge and tools to replicate and/or scale successful (components of) programs at participating organizations.
The first international conference of the ELJA Foundation will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the DeLaMar Theater in Amsterdam. On this day, the ELJA Foundation Award, worth €75,000, will also be presented. It is the first time that an organization or individual will receive this special lifetime achievement award. Read more about the nominees here.
During an inspiring afternoon with special international speakers from academia, the arts, and society, the following theme will be central:
YOUNG AT ARTS
How arts & culture can drive social change and youth empowerment
The modern society we live in is at a tipping point. Whether it’s the climate crisis, technological advancements, or increasing polarization, our lives are changing faster than ever, and the stakes are high. Youth are the future. In what ways can we inspire, empower, and connect them to shape the future society? And what role can music, dance, and visual arts play in this? Read more about our conference and award ceremony on Thursday, November 30.
ELJA Young is the youth council of the ELJA Foundation. Young people aged 12 to 18 meet monthly to contribute to the development of the Foundation. In doing so, they simultaneously develop their creative, social, and advisory skills.
The first meeting took place on July 8, 2023, at Mediamatic Amsterdam. Read more about ELJA Young here.
Questions or suggestions regarding ELJA Young? Email daantje@eljafoundation.nl
In the fall of 2023, we will launch the Foundation’s first podcast series as part of our Young at Art Radio program. In these podcasts, we will engage in conversations with experts and peers, asking them, among other things: In what ways can we use art and culture to empower children and youth and help them feel more connected to each other and to society?