Our Story
EYCIA was born from a simple conversation between a group of young Europeans who believed that culture should not be a luxury or a privilege — it should be a shared right. In 2017, five friends from France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Italy came together in Paris and decided to build something that would outlast them all.
What started as a small cultural exchange weekend has grown into a pan-European movement. Today, we work with over 200 partner organisations, have engaged more than 50,000 young people, and have delivered programmes in 24 countries. We are proud of how far we have come — and excited about where we are going.
Our Mission
EYCIA exists to empower young people through culture. We believe that by participating in cultural life — whether as creators, audiences, or facilitators — young Europeans develop the empathy, imagination, and confidence they need to build a more connected and compassionate world. Our mission is to make that participation possible for every young person, regardless of where they live or what resources they have.
Our Values
The principles that guide every decision we make and every programme we create.
Inclusion
Creativity
Diversity
Solidarity
European Spirit
Our Team
The passionate people who make EYCIA happen every day.
Marie Dubois
Marie brings 12 years of experience in international cultural management and has led EYCIA since its founding.
Klaus Weber
Klaus oversees the design and delivery of all EYCIA programmes, ensuring quality and impact across Europe.
Anna Kowalski
Anna builds and maintains EYCIA's network of 200+ partner organisations across the continent.
Luca Ricci
Luca crafts EYCIA's voice and ensures our story reaches every corner of Europe — and beyond.
Partners & Supporters
We are proud to work with organisations that share our vision for a culturally vibrant Europe.