The Europeana Network Association is a network of nearly 5,000 professionals who work in and around digital cultural heritage. Together, we aim to expand and improve access to digital cultural heritage.
We do this through the work of our seven special interest communities, a vibrant programme of events and webinars, participating in projects across the European digital heritage ecosystem, advocating for culture and cultural heritage and sharing and promoting relevant cultural heritage news. Our members have the chance to connect to professionals all over Europe, access exclusive training and lead and influence the sector - discover more benefits.
ENA is also one of the three governance bodies of the Europeana Initiative, and we collaborate with the Europeana Aggregators’ Forum and Europeana Foundation to ensure the success of the common European data space for cultural heritage.
ENA is led by a democratically elected Members Council, who represent the interests of our members and shape the priorities and work of the Network. Councillors are drawn from, and elected by, the ENA membership, and this year, there are 27 open seats on the Council (in total as several current Councillors have completed their three-year terms. In total, the Council currently has 36 Members. Read on to discover why you should consider standing for election!
Why should I stand for election as a Members Councillor?
Suggest and implement the initiatives that mean the most to you. Members Councillors set the agenda for the activities that the Network focuses on. From dedicated Task Forces to events within the specialist communities, there are many ways in which you can raise the profile of the sectoral issues that concern you, and take steps to research and address them.
Build your own network as you develop the Network. Members Councillors work formally with their fellow Councillors as well as staff and colleagues across the Europeana Initiative. The connections that you build offer you the chance to develop your own network and exchange knowledge with professionals across disciplines and countries.
Shape the common European data space for cultural heritage. As a key pillar of the Europeana Initiative, ENA works with the Europeana Foundation and Europeana Aggregators’ Forum to deploy the data space. Members Councillors are given many opportunities to contribute their expertise and perspectives to this flagship initiative of the European Commission as it accelerates the digital transformation of Europe’s cultural sector
Represent and advocate for your fellow Members. Members Councillors voice the needs of and support Europeana Network Association members. As a Councillor, you will have the chance to propose new ways of adding value to membership, and to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive network by ensuring that all members’ voices are heard. You can also represent and spread information about ENA in your own country, including through ENA Country Groups.
Become a Management Board Member. Once you are a Members Councillors, you can also stand for election to the ENA’s Management Board. The Board leads the development of the Network’s strategic vision, and by joining you can have an even greater impact on the Association and sector.
What are the criteria to apply to be a Members Councillor?
To stand to be a Members Councillor, you must already be an ENA member or have registered as one by 16 October 2024.
We want ENA to be a diverse and inclusive Network, and we welcome candidates from across the globe, from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors relevant to the Europeana Initiative. If you work in research, education, copyright, technological development, the creative industries, copyright, or any other area related to the work of the Europeana Initiative, we encourage you to submit your candidacy.
We also want our Council to reflect all levels of experience across the sector, so if you are a student, new or emerging professional, we particularly encourage you to submit your candidacy and shape the future of the sector!
What are the responsibilities of a Councillor?
As a Members Councillor, you are expected to actively participate in and give feedback on ENA’s work. We want committed Councillors who are ready to support the activities detailed above, attend meetings three times a year (of which at least one will be an in-person meeting), take on tasks connected with the implementation of the data space or community-related activities, and abide by our Code of Conduct.
As a Councillor, you will also be expected to take up an active role championing the data space and the Europeana Initiative to stakeholders in your country. We want Councillors who are excited to drive the Network and are willing to dedicate time to supporting our shared ambitions. Please make sure to read through the tasks you will be expected to undertake in our Councillor Terms of Reference before submitting your application.
How can I submit my candidacy?
From now until 16 October 2024, we invite all network members to come forward as Members Council candidates to fill the 27 open seats.
Please send us your candidate profile and submit your candidacy via the button below by 16 October 2024. We will ask you about your interest in digital cultural heritage, why you want to be elected to the Members Council, what you stand for, and what you wish to work towards.
What happens after I’ve submitted my candidacy?
After we have our full list of candidates for election, we will formally announce them on 21 October 2024. We will invite each candidate to introduce themselves to the Europeana Network Association, and you can campaign for election using the hashtag #EuropeanaElects.
The voting period will be launched during the Europeana Network Association General Assembly on 13 November. All members will have one week to vote, and in early December we will announce the results. Elected Councillors start their work in January!
The campaign and voting procedure are overseen by the Voting and Elections Committee. If you have any questions please get in touch with us at [email protected].
We can’t wait to receive your application!