The Conference "Horizons of Sustainability: The Power of Creative Innovation for Transformation of Rural and Non-Urban Futures" was held in Šibenik, Croatia, on 24- 27 September as part of the IN SITU project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and co-organised by the Kultura Nova Foundation and the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra. The event focused on sustainability exploring the transformative power of cultural and creative professionals in building more equitable and sustainable communities outside urban centres.
The dynamic programme of presentations, discussions, and site visits, was complemented by an interactive fair where initiatives from Central and Eastern Europe supported by the CEI grant were showcased, creating ample networking opportunities for participants across diverse sectors, including research, culture-based creative practices, and policy-making. These activities fostered meaningful exchanges on non-traditional approaches to sustainability, engaging participants directly with the local context of the event.
A key focus of the gathering was the role of place-based cultural and creative innovation in preserving local values while enhancing community well-being. Discussions emphasised the necessity for transformative cultural policies and a holistic approach to public policy that positions culture as a connective force in social processes. Culture was framed as an experimental and creative space capable of generating sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of local communities, particularly in rural and non-urban settings .
The event also addressed the growing ecological emergency, underscoring the importance of aligning cultural and creative practices with sustainability principles. In this context, the conference served as a platform for stakeholders to explore the role of culture in supporting the care economy and facilitating transformative change. Participants emphasised the importance of making culture accessible to all: financially, geographically, and socially; and of ensuring that cultural spaces are inclusive, allowing every voice to be heard.
For more info: fabro@cei.int
