Sandra Coumans is founder of the consultancy Culture le Hic, through which she tries to bring the field of transnational cooperation in the arts forward. Since 2005 she has been active in culture at an international level (in and outside of Europe) in a range of different organisations and roles (a start-up festival, the European Commission, BOZAR Brussels or with European networks). Her experience includes contemporary art, creative industries and cultural heritage: what matters is to support the sector strategically and conceptually, putting in place the best possible framework for projects and activities. She has lived in four different countries in Europe and is now based in Brussels.

Diane Lafont de Sentenac. Her experiences in international organisations (UNESCO, EU, OECD, OSCE) convinced Diane Lafont de Sentenac of the crucial role played by culture in all aspects of international relations. She holds an MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges and a Master’s in International Affairs in Sciences Po Paris, where she focused on EU’s actorness in multilateralism and the transatlantic relationship. Award winner of the Jacques Delors Prize 2018, her Master Thesis on EU intercultural relations with the Western Balkans studied the impact of EU cultural diplomacy on enlargement policies.

Johanna Suo is a cultural entrepreneur, cultural strategist and researcher directing the facilitation & innovation firm ifa laboratory in Brussels.  With twenty years of experience in the Culture and Creative Industries Johanna has been a consultant, speaker and fellow in the US (Marshall Memorial Fellowship), Japan, and all around Europe (European Commission -DG Grow-, European Business Summit, European Cultural Parliament ). Previous posts include development director for the agency Cumediae and project manager at the Goethe-Institut. Johanna has recently co-funded the consortium SHR Global focusing on creative economy development. She is currently writing a master thesis on the challenges for cultural diplomacy to be aligned with social innovation and development.

Susan van Esch is a cultural anthropologist by background with over fifteen years of work experience in both the social and cultural field. She is a strong believer in the cross fertilisation of the social and cultural field and always on the look out for connecting worlds, ideas and people. Susan has extensive experience in working on social development and public health issues through diverse means of popular youth culture. Currently she is self-employed focusing on the power of art in addressing societal issues. Social – Art – Politics.

Virginie Wyart is an international development cooperation expert in areas of support including governance, culture and education, regional integration. She has a legal background and is trained in conflict-sensitive approach. Virgnie has extensive field experience and worked with OSCE, UN, EU and CSOs in post conflict settings (Kosovo, Timor-Leste, DRC, etc) in advising senior Government officials and non State Actors.