Association Marcel Hicter

The Association Marcel Hicter, established in 1980 and subsidized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural democracy, particularly through its Program for Incubating Businesses in Cultural and Creative Industries (PIICC). This program empowers cultural operators in the DRC to finance their activities independently. One of the Association’s specialities is training professionals in cultural management, enabling them to adapt to evolving cultural practices and new operational and skill requirements. The Association also advocates for culture among decision-makers and fosters cultural cooperation among partners for common projects, respecting specificities. Acting as a provider of life-long learning services, it connects field operators with cultural decision-makers, informs and monitors cultural managers, and occasionally advises public cultural authorities. Moreover, the Association analyzes current and future policies and actions through action-research in collaboration with European cultural organizations. Its funding primarily comes from the Belgian French-speaking Community, the European Union, and earnings from services it provides. As a critical and civic organization, the Association Hicter is recognized as a permanent education institution by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.