The Cercle Culturel des Institutions Européennes (EU Cultural Circle) is the umbrella organisation for around 35 clubs and associations affiliated to the European Institutions in Luxembourg.

From music and theatre to chess and wine, there is a variety of clubs for individuals with different interests. Membership and participation in the clubs’ and associations' activities, is also open to people not working in the European Institutions.

In this series of articles, Chronicle.lu explores some of the different clubs and associations of the Cercle Culturel, including their main activities, interests, membership and events.

Next up is the History of Art Club, where Chronicle.lu talked with Olivia Stourm, Club Secretary.

Chronicle.lu: When and why was the club founded, and what are its main goals and objectives?

Olivia Stourm: The club was founded over 25 years ago with the aim of expanding people’s knowledge of art and of its rich history, via the organisation of conferences, guided tours of exhibitions in Luxembourg and the Greater Region and cultural trips.

Chronicle.lu: What is the main language of the club and how many nationalities are members of the club?

Olivia Stourm: All of our communications, conferences and most of our guided tours are in French; sometimes also in English. [Most] EU nationalities are represented amongst our members.

Chronicle.lu: How often do you meet and where?

Olivia Stourm: We meet at least once per month, during our conferences at the “Foyer Européen”, where a speaker presents a subject, generally linked to one of our upcoming trips/visits. One of our last conferences was about “the Fuggers”, a family whose influence was highlighted during our trip on Germany’s “Romantic Route” (Würzburg, Augsburg, Nürnberg, Bamberg). We also regularly attend exhibitions and meet for daytrips or longer trips (every two months on average). 

Chronicle.lu: What is your main target audience?

Olivia Stourm: People interested in “culture” in its broader sense, art, history and architecture. Many of our members enjoy the concept of discovering a city through visiting its main attractions, museums, etc., but also by experiencing local traditions, folklore or gastronomy for instance.

Chronicle.lu: How has membership grown over the years and has membership increased since Cercle Culturel began admitting members who are not working in EU institutions? What percentage of your members are not employed by the EU institutions (if known)?

Olivia Stourm: Our membership is constantly growing and we currently have 165 members. Only a small number of our members are not employed by EU institutions. Most of our non-EU institution members attend the conferences at the “Foyer Européen”, which is a vital partner for the sustainability of cultural and social activities and integration with the population not professionally linked to the EU institutions. It is essential to highlight that both the Foyer Européen’s and our activities are open to everyone.

Chronicle.lu: What events are your club planning or participating in during the coming months?

Olivia Stourm: We are already working on a guided tour of a photo exhibition in January and are finalising our agenda for the upcoming year, which will be presented at our General Assembly (at the Foyer Européen) in February 2025.

Chronicle.lu: How can someone who is interested in the club’s activities become a member?

Olivia Stourm: It is very easy. All you need to do is reach out to us by e-mail: hda.secretaire@cercleculturel.lu, and request information and/or a registration form. The annual membership costs €25. Further information can be found on our website.

Chronicle.lu: Are there different classes/different levels for beginners through to more experienced members?

Olivia Stourm: No, our events and trips are open to everybody who has an interest in art. We do however indicate the level of intensity of our cultural trips on the invitations sent to our members (usage of public transport, walking tours, steep/hilly city (i.e. Porto), etc), especially since our programmes are rich and varied and often require participants to be in good general physical condition.