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LICIA, a laboratory for accessible culture
The International Laboratory for Inclusive and Accessible Culture
If Bourges was chosen as European Capital of Culture, it is because it champions a forward-looking vision that is inclusive and committed to everyone, without distinction. At the heart of this commitment is the ambition to make Bourges 2028 a fully accessible European Capital of Culture, shaped by and for all citizens.
LICIA, the International Laboratory for Inclusive and Accessible Culture, embodies this ambition by making accessibility a focus of research, collective reflection and, above all, experimentation.
Next event:
Tuesday, 17 November 2026
At the Maison de la Culture de Bourges
With the support of:
LICIA at a glance
Officially launched on 3 December 2025 at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Art de Bourges, LICIA is a space for research, reflection and collaborative work on accessibility in culture.
It is founded on a simple conviction: to make culture truly accessible, good intentions alone are not enough. We need to experiment, share and compare experiences, and translate these insights into tangible changes in practice. LICIA brings together artists, cultural professionals, associations, people directly concerned, researchers, local stakeholders and European partners to collectively explore new ways of creating and sharing culture.
How can we ensure that disabled artists gain access to major stages and festivals? How can accessibility help create a more welcoming environment for all audiences? How can accessibility become second nature for everyone working in the cultural sector?
Envisioned as one of the legacies of Bourges 2028, LICIA meets annually and supports the transformation of cultural practices across the region, throughout France and across Europe, up to 2028 and beyond.
Thibaut de Martimprey,
Bourges 2028 Accessibility Commissioner
Bourges 2028 is an incredible opportunity: the opportunity to see my hometown rethink the way its entire region operates, set things in motion and usher in a new chapter, not only for 2028, but above all for the years that follow. A human-scale city, accessible to everyone, that has boldly chosen to look towards a meaningful future, driven by the strength of its ideas and convictions.
LICIA continues to expand its European reach
Following an inaugural event that brought together nearly 300 participants and more than 30 speakers from the Berry region, across France and throughout Europe, LICIA continues its work with its second annual gathering.
On 17 November 2026, LICIA will take over the Maison de la Culture de Bourges for a new day of discussions, debates, personal stories and artistic performances. The event will remain free of charge and open to everyone upon registration.
It will be an opportunity to build on the discussions launched in 2025, share new experiences and collectively develop practical ways to transform cultural practices.
What’s on the programme
This new edition introduces three innovations:
- A Solutions Village showcasing practical solutions that contribute to making culture more accessible, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and experience them firsthand;
- An expanded programme featuring international artists and leading experts, alongside decision-makers from the cultural industry and senior institutional leaders;
- A stronger international dimension and a dedicated networking space open throughout the day to encourage dialogue and exchange.
Artists and experts in attendance:
Meet at the Village des Solutions:
To go further
On 3 December 2025, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the launch of LICIA, we asked participants a simple question: what action would make culture truly accessible?
With Bourges 2028’s AI for Inclusion & Accessibility (a different kind of AI), these responses become a starting point.
Towards greater progress. Towards greater equality.
