From 15 – 17 October, the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) organised its annual Culture & Creativity Conference in Silandro, Italy. Under the topic “Cultural support platforms in times of crisis. Recovery - Resilience - Resistance”, creative hubs from across Europe gathered at BASIS Vinschgau Venosta - a dynamic hub for social innovation and creativity located in the repurposed Drusus barracks in South Tyrol.
In the rapidly shifting and increasingly fragile landscape of the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries, creative hubs must reimagine how they operate. Bautopia 6 explored the framework for transformative action through the lens of Recovery, Resilience, and Resistance. The aim was to generate practical insights, build solidarity, and offer a renewed sense of shared purpose.
The event also served as a strong expression of international support for BASIS and similar initiatives, spaces that actively reframe historic spaces, highlighting the importance of securing cultural spaces and recognising their role as engines of creativity, inclusion, and democratic renewal.
During the three days of workshops, panel discussions, networking activities and visits, the participants discussed regenerative approaches, recovery practices, and inspirational models, offering innovative pathways towards a resilient cultural sector.
Day 1
The conference kicked off with welcoming words by Hannes Götsch, BASIS Founder & CVO, Christine Kaaserer, Mayor of Silandro/Schlanders, and Vassilis Charalampidis, ECHN President of the Board. Afterwards, Miguel Ángel Herrera Gutiérrez, Mayor of Genalguacil, talked about the project Genalguacil Pueblo Museo and how his municipality has turned culture into a driver of revitalization and positive change. Michael Hofer, CEO of da – Citizens’ cooperative of the Upper Vinschgau, also delved into building a sustainable future for rural areas through community, resilience, and diversity. The night concluded with welcome drinks and speed networking, where participants connected through fun activities.
Day 2
The second day was filled with interesting panel discussions, inspirational speeches and hands-on workshops. The day began with a walking tour of BASIS, a former barracks transformed into a hub for creativity, urban development, circularity, and social growth, showcasing how temporary solutions can become a permanent strategy. Afterwards, Gerrit Jan van ‘t Veen, Managing Director of Popdistrict Den Haag, presented a fresh model that embraces controversy and views it as an opportunity to build trust and foster dialogue. Culture Moves Europe presented the new open calls, and Creative FLIP showcased the Ambassadors of Good Practice in Non-Urban Areas, a peer-learning programme that brings together organisations to share exemplary practices in revitalising non-urban and peripheral regions.
