The first day of the Bautopia event in Malmö, Sweden kicked off with the official opening at STPLN. Sanna Lilie from STPLN and Carina Nilsson, the President of Malmö City Council, welcomed the participants. Esra Gönen from the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) also addressed the attendees. A musical performance by the Malmö Choir followed the opening. Attendees then participated in a networking activity moderated by África Rodrigues, Ignácio Marquez, and Nana Radenkovic. The day concluded with drinks in the evening.
The 2024 European Creative Hubs Meetup is organized by the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN), with support from the STPLN hub in Malmö, Sweden. This exclusive two-day event for ECHN members will focus on the current interests and challenges facing creative hubs.
This year's theme is "Metamorphosis," as the gathering aims to delve into the transformations of communities, built environments, and the impact of creators on shaping where and how people live. Organizers plan to explore new transformative practices to achieve the Metamorphosis that is aspired to. Exploring the power of artistic expression and community-driven innovation, this gathering of hubs from across the continent will showcase how creatives are spearheading a reimagining of urban spaces. From participatory public art to ecologically integrated cultural venues, the event will unveil transformative models for a more sustainable and equitable built environment.
Bertil Björk of STPLN notes that contemporary society faces major challenges around green transition, dialogue between groups, revitalizing democracy, and social justice. He questions what is expected of the cultural and creative industries, and how they can best participate in driving progress. Björk emphasizes that presenting new ideas through artistic forms can help foster deeper, more complete understanding by engaging multiple senses and connecting intellect with emotion. He sees art and culture as vital tools for transformation.
The event will explore how creative hubs and their communities can catalyze transformations on multiple levels:
Community Transformation: Examining how creative hubs foster inclusive, collaborative, and engaged communities that can drive positive social change.
Built Environment Transformation: Investigating how creative hubs and their work can reimagine and reshape the built spaces and urban landscapes around them.
Transformative Impact of Creators: Highlighting the unique capacities of artists, designers, and other creatives to envision and enact new ways of living, working, and coexisting.
---Find the full program here---
The meetup aims to uncover and share "new transformative practices" that can guide creative hubs and their stakeholders towards the kind of Metamorphosis they aspire to. This could include innovative approaches to:
Sustainability - Integrating ecological principles and regenerative practices
Social Justice - Promoting equity, inclusion, and empowerment
Democratic Renewal - Citizen engagement and grassroots change
Cross-Sector Collaboration - Bridging creative industries with other sectors
By blending intellectual, emotional, and sensory modes of engagement, the event seeks to inspire and equip creative hubs to be catalysts for profound societal transformation.
---Find the full program here---
