The Creatives Unite Editorial
On 22 June, the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023 will award innovative solutions from people across Europe and beyond, demonstrating the immense potential for making Europe more sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive.
The Bauhaus 2023 program is divided into three main categories: prizes, labs, and networks. The prizes are awarded to individuals or teams who have developed innovative and sustainable design solutions that address the challenges facing our society. The labs are collaborative workshops that bring together designers, architects, and other creative professionals to develop new ideas and solutions. The networks are platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices, connecting designers and other creative professionals across Europe. The Bauhaus 2023 prizes are the most prestigious awards in the program. They are awarded in six categories: architecture, urbanism, landscape, product design, fashion, and digital design. The prizes are open to individuals or teams from all over Europe, and the winners are selected by a panel of experts in each category. The New European Bauhaus Prizes serve as a platform to recognize and reward existing projects and young people’s concepts that demonstrate the sustainable solutions promoted by the European Green Deal can also be inclusive and beautiful. The Prizes are awarded in four thematic categories:
The NEB draws inspiration from the original Bauhaus movement, which reconciled art and science and challenged contemporary rules in search of a better way. The initiative presents an opportunity to elevate the circular economy discourse from technicalities and resource economics to an aspirational project for society with deep cultural resonance. Today, new capabilities in biomaterials, additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, and artificial intelligence are unlocking limitless possibilities for making. Designing for the circular economy requires a creative approach, as it is not 'one size fits all'. Relevant solutions range from bio-designed packaging that dissolves when used, to building facades that incorporate algae for energy generation, manipulating material structures to create new properties, and using durable materials for product longevity. System innovation must occur in tandem with technological innovation to achieve real progress. This requires designers to work with the current system while moving it toward new outcomes. Innovators must understand, predict, and respond to the systemic implications of their inventions, necessitating a place to experiment in a way that is visible and connected to industry and routes to scale.
On September 15, 2021, the Commission published a Communication presenting the concept of the NEB based on the findings from the co-design phase. This document outlines the next steps for the initiative's further development and proposes a set of targeted actions and funding possibilities. The Annex II of the Communication identifies relevant EU initiatives and funding instruments to support local transformation projects. This includes the commitment of the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) to finance several highly innovative projects selected in the first call of the European Urban Initiative (EUI). The European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission aimed at making Europe climate-neutral by 2050, serves as the foundation for the NEB. By connecting the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences, the NEB aims to make sustainability an integral part of our daily lives. The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative is an ambitious project launched by the European Commission to connect the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences, creating a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing future. The NEB's vision is to provide all citizens with access to goods that are circular, less carbon-intensive, and support the regeneration of nature and biodiversity. This initiative invites everyone to imagine and build a sustainable future:
The New European Bauhaus initiative is a bold attempt to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing future. By creating a platform for experimentation, the NEB brings together innovators from all walks of life to develop solutions that can have a lasting impact on our living spaces and experiences. The NEB provides an opportunity to create positive change in our communities and societies through collaboration and engagement from individuals, organizations, and policymakers. The NEB encourages individuals to participate in the initiative by joining the community as partners, attending events, applying for prizes, and engaging on social media. By staying informed and active in the NEB community, individuals can contribute their ideas, skills, and creativity to help shape the future. Businesses, non-profits, and other organizations can benefit from the NEB initiative by aligning their strategies with its principles and tapping into funding opportunities. Policymakers play a crucial role in shaping the NEB's success by supporting its principles through legislation, funding, and policies that encourage sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful development. The success of this initiative relies on collective action from individuals and communities who are committed to pushing for change. By engaging with the initiative, by joining as partners, or by attending events – Europeans have an opportunity to be part of something that could potentially shape our lives for generations to come.
The event will take place on Thursday the 20th of April 2023 at Brussels, Belgium and online.
With the European Year of Skills 2023, the European Union aims to promote a mindset of reskilling and upskilling, in order to boost competitiveness of European companies, and help them to realise the full potential of the digital and green transitions. Skills and competences of building professionals lie at the heart of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) – a beautiful, sustainable and inclusive built environment can only be the result of the work of skilled professionals, in the construction sector, but also throughout administrative and policy decision-making processes. A generation of professionals that adheres to NEB values and is capable of achieving its ambitions needs to be trained.
In this context, the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE) are co-organising a one day public conference to discuss what are the skills, methods and pedagogies needed for a flourishing and ecologically beneficial architectural practice that addresses the challenges of the turbulent twenty first century. This event programme discusses developments, teaching practices and models of innovation within architecture that include, but also go beyond the private-public axis, to engage community-based initiatives, microeconomies and modes of empowerment that express the emerging new values of this era. You will examine pilots, practices and cultural demonstrators that show how architectural research and education can activate innovation ecosystems in ways that address the significant challenges of climate change, while drawing on the principles of the NEB.
ACE-EAAE aims to interrogate the values underpinning how architecture is researched, practiced, and taught throughout Europe, so that you can maintain a competitive edge, while upholding collective cultural identities. In this way, ACE-EAAE aims to meet the needs of their communities beyond functionality, encourage dialogue across cultural divides, and work in harmony with nature, the environment, and the planet.
On the occasion of the conference, the shortlisted nominees for the 2023 edition of the Young Talent Architecture Awards (YTAA) will be announced. The YTAA is a category of the the EUmies Awards / EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture. It highlights outstanding diploma projects of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture students. The conference, which is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the EU, will bring together professionals, architecture students, educators and researchers, as well as delegates from the ACE and EAAE.
Participation is free of charge upon registration.
French-English interpretation will be provided.
Find more information here.
Artists across creative disciplines, countries and at any stage of their career are invited to submit an application to participate in NEB Festival in Brussels from 9 to 12 June.
Application Deadline: 7 March 2022
9 -12 June 2022, Brussels
The European Commission invites organisations, art collectives, institutions, universities, architects, cities, regions, companies, artists, students, scientists, innovators and all interested people to be part of the first Festival of the New European Bauhaus that will take place in Brussels from 9 to 12 June. It is the first edition of this festival and it will be the occasion to showcase the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus.
The hybrid event will propose live performances, exhibitions, participatory activities and a forum to debate and exchange ideas. It will invite everybody to image the way we live together in a sustainable, inclusive and beautiful way. Faithful to the participatory and transdisciplinary approach of the New European Bauhaus, the Commission opens calls for the Fair and the Fest part of the Festival as well as for side events in Brussels and beyond: https://new-european-bauhaus-festival.eu/join
Artists across creative disciplines, countries and at any stage of their career are invited to submit an application to participate in this event. As a melting pot of perspectives and disciplines, the NEB will be a fertile ground for fermenting ideas on initiatives that connect the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences.
By joining the event physically In Brussels, artists will have the opportunity to be part of a large citizen oriented cultural event that gives voice to passionate individuals, communities and organisations who wish to share their visions and engage with a wide audience at a local level with a broader reach.
The proposal of an artistic performance, exhibition or participatory activity should reflect the New European Bauhaus core values:
•Sustainability in environmental terms, from climate goals, to circularity, zero pollution, and protecting/improving biodiversity;
• Aesthetics, including quality of experience and style, beyond functionality;
• Inclusion, valorising diversity, equality for all, accessibility, and affordability.
The selected proposal will be integrated in the event programme and will be pinned to the interactive map that will guide visitors through the various places of exhibition, performance, creative activities or moments of conviviality at the festival. Artists can propose an activity or performance regardless of whether or not they have a corresponding exhibition or performance space in Brussels. For those who do not have their own space, shared spaces will be offered with a common format.
In addition to the coverage of travel expenses, a flat fee might be allocated to the selected activities to contribute to the remuneration of artists depending on their needs.
Find more information here.
The event will take place on Thursday the 20th of April 2023 at Brussels, Belgium and online.
With the European Year of Skills 2023, the European Union aims to promote a mindset of reskilling and upskilling, in order to boost competitiveness of European companies, and help them to realise the full potential of the digital and green transitions. Skills and competences of building professionals lie at the heart of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) – a beautiful, sustainable and inclusive built environment can only be the result of the work of skilled professionals, in the construction sector, but also throughout administrative and policy decision-making processes. A generation of professionals that adheres to NEB values and is capable of achieving its ambitions needs to be trained.
In this context, the Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE) are co-organising a one day public conference to discuss what are the skills, methods and pedagogies needed for a flourishing and ecologically beneficial architectural practice that addresses the challenges of the turbulent twenty first century. This event programme discusses developments, teaching practices and models of innovation within architecture that include, but also go beyond the private-public axis, to engage community-based initiatives, microeconomies and modes of empowerment that express the emerging new values of this era. You will examine pilots, practices and cultural demonstrators that show how architectural research and education can activate innovation ecosystems in ways that address the significant challenges of climate change, while drawing on the principles of the NEB.
ACE-EAAE aims to interrogate the values underpinning how architecture is researched, practiced, and taught throughout Europe, so that you can maintain a competitive edge, while upholding collective cultural identities. In this way, ACE-EAAE aims to meet the needs of their communities beyond functionality, encourage dialogue across cultural divides, and work in harmony with nature, the environment, and the planet.
On the occasion of the conference, the shortlisted nominees for the 2023 edition of the Young Talent Architecture Awards (YTAA) will be announced. The YTAA is a category of the the EUmies Awards / EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture. It highlights outstanding diploma projects of Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture students. The conference, which is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the EU, will bring together professionals, architecture students, educators and researchers, as well as delegates from the ACE and EAAE.
Participation is free of charge upon registration.
French-English interpretation will be provided.
Find more information here.
The event will take place on the 16th of March online.
The launch event of the New European Bauhaus Capacity building programme for the reconstruction of Ukraine will take place on the 16th of March at 15:00 CET.
This programme that was announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv in February will provide both inspiration and practical help for municipalities involved in the reconstruction and rebuilding of Ukraine and promote the values of the New European Bauhaus, sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, as a guiding principle for the reconstruction.
The programme will consist of a series of online webinars, starting in April. All modules are based on a thorough assessment of the needs of Ukrainian municipalities conducted in autumn 2022. The programme is organised by and with our Ukrainian partners Ro3kvit, ReThink, Covenant of Mayors East and the Architects’ Council of Europe.
This high-level event of two hours will set the political framing of the capacity building and give an overview of the upcoming three modules.
The event will be held both in English and Ukrainian, with simultaneous translations.
Find more information and register here.
10-12 October 2022
Porto, Viana do Castelo + online
This second edition of BAU TOPIA will be held on the occasion of the next Stakeholder gathering of both the European Creative Hubs Network & Creative FLIP Project. The entire team is thrilled to invite you to this hybrid event titled Glocalization in culture and creativity. Empowering the sector through knowledge exchange.
The conference will tackle important topics for the cultural and creative stakeholders today: access to different financing resources and protection of Intellectual Property Rights, the future of arts education and education through the arts, glocalization and specific cultural policies for the non-urban and rural areas and their cultural scene, innovation, and many others. How to bring forward Collaborative cross-sectoral initiatives that are based on the principle of equality of stakeholders and empathy? How can mobility programs act as a springboard for the establishment of sustainable and long-term partnerships among the hub community?
Discover the conference agenda for details and location of each session throughout three days in between Porto, Viana do Castelo and online.
Find more information here.
ECHN and the MakersXchange partners have proudly completed BauTopia, a side event of the New European Bauhaus Festival. On the 8th and 9th of June in Brussels, creative hubs members reunited to learn and share their stories and perspectives on some of the most urgent topics for creative hubs and the CCSIs as a whole: Re-shaping Knowledge, Engaging Communities and Cultivating Empathy.
Re-shaping Knowledge
The first session was dedicated to the exchange between creative and educational practices. To start off, ECHN and Fab Lab Barcelona presented the main results of the MakersXchange (MAX) Project. MAX accumulated knowledge and experience after launching its very own mobility scheme for makers – Hyper Global/Hyper Local – and mapping the good practices already out there. ECHN and FLB showcased the outcomes of some of the most interesting exchanges of makers, together with a series of important recommendations on how to set up a mobility scheme for makers.
For this session’s keynote, the floor was taken by Theo Anagnostopoulos, co-founder and General Manager of SciCo, an international social enterprise aiming to make science simple and to promote science education. Theo won his audience by showing how SciCo implemented creative strategies for its scientific dissemination, towards an effective STEAM approach.
Theo’s keynote served as a perfect introduction to the final parallel sessions, one dedicated to interconnecting art and creativity to education, and the other to skills development and inclusion through mobility.
Engaging Communities
The second session focused on creative initiatives as a means to bridging and strengthening communities.
Vassilis Charalampidis, director of ECHN, gave a thorough presentation on the role that creative hubs hold within the CCSI.
The introductory keynotes were offered by Marita Muukkonen and Ivor Stodolsky (Artists at Risk) and by Jeanne Astrup-Chauvaux and Sarah Bovelett (Floating University). These two different initiatives are a great example of how physical or online platforms can have a direct impact on creative professionals and on the environment.
Three parallel sessions closed the first day with an insight on collective creativity in different hubs of Europe, the future of sustainable creativity in textile design and creative communities in times of urgency.
Cultivating Empathy
The last session was fully dedicated to a series of initiatives as a reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Katjia Blazheichuck & Eva Yakubovska introduced VITSCHE, a supporting platform based in Berlin and dedicated to displaced Ukrainians. Vera Logdanidi told us how the electronic music scene is Ukraine has reacted to the war through its spaces and communities; the artist Nikolay Karabinovych showed how his art built a bridge between Ukraine and the “heart of Europe” in Belgium.
Lastly, the latest appointment of the Lighthouse Sessions shed some light on some resilient Ukrainian creative initiatives as best examples of support for displaced refugees.
As a conclusion of this dense two-days event, ECHN invited all the participants of the Creative Europe Networks Programme. Representatives of six different organisations supported by the Creative Europe Grant gathered for the first time to touch base on the common objectives of their activities and the EU agenda.
Find all the pictures and videos of the event here.
