Writing and speaking about culture, art, and politics
My name is Elena Polivtseva. I am a Brussels-based independent researcher, consultant, and passionate culture advocate. In 2024, I co-founded Culture Policy Room, a think tank advancing cultural policy-making by bridging research and policy. I worked as a Senior Researcher at IFACCA (International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies) and a Head of Policy and Research at IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts). I authored several publications on cultural policies, funding strategies, and artists’ working conditions. I was one of the co-initiators and a project manager of Perform Europe, a Board member at Culture Action Europe, and a Consultant at UNESCO. Believing in the power of knowledge-driven advocacy, I am dedicated to ensuring that insights from the cultural field inform and shape effective policies.
Get in touch: polivtseva.e@gmail.com
My work
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Researcher & Writer
I help organisations, institutions, and public bodies make sense of complex cultural policy challenges through research and analysis. I produce reports, essays, policy briefs, and strategic publications that translate complexity into actionable insights. My work connects culture to broader societal questions, from democracy and rights to innovation and resilience.
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Advocacy & Policy Expert
I support organisations in shaping advocacy strategies that create meaningful systemic change. I help articulate compelling narratives for the value of culture. My work strengthens the ability of cultural actors to influence decision-making. I bridge the worlds of culture, policy, and public affairs, with a focus on EU policies.
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Consultant
I help organisations, networks, and funders design and evaluate strategies, programmes, and partnerships that respond to contemporary challenges in culture and society. I provide strategic advice on funding, governance, positioning, communication, and long-term impact. I help organisations communicate their data and research effectively.
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Speaker & Moderator
I speak and moderate conversations on cultural policy, artistic freedom, democracy, the future role of culture in society, international relations, artists’ working conditions and more. I also design and deliver workshops on advocacy strategies.
Recent research
Culture Policy Room
In 2024, I co-founded Culture Policy Room, a think tank advancing cultural policy-making by bridging research and policy.
With a focus on Europe and a global perspective, we offer insights and knowledge to policymakers, advocates, and practitioners.
We work to create a space for critical debate and empower policies and practices to contribute to better decision-making and societies.
Newsletter
UnpackCulture is the newsletter of Culture Policy Room. It brings you up to speed with essential cultural policy developments worldwide. It analyses trends, informs you about important studies you shouldn’t miss, highlights insightful academic work, and explains what matters in the world of cultural policy right now — and why.