Dear partners and friends of Cultural BEES,
Welcome to the first newsletter of the Cultural BEES project! In this issue, we share crucial updates on the progress of activities, from National Ecosystems forums to our first deliverables, with some highlights regarding our Pan-European Ecosystem Forum that will take place in Brussels on 12th February 2024.
Landscape of the Cultural and Creative Industries sector across Europe
The State-of-the-Art Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector across Europe. This key deliverable explores the skills required for the CCI sector, operational challenges, growth opportunities, and the role of public and private support policies.
The full report is available on the project’s website: Cultural BEES Outputs.
This deliverable forms a critical step in shaping an educational curriculum aimed at empowering young people to innovate and succeed in the CCI sector, blending creativity with entrepreneurship.
Overview of National Ecosystem Forums 2024
The National Ecosystem Forums held in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia were pivotal in understanding the challenges, opportunities, and future directions for entrepreneurship within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), especially in the Cultural Heritage (CH) sector. Here are key highlights from each forum:
Bulgaria (March 1, 2024)
Hosted at the Toplotsentrala Community Centre, the forum drew over 200 participants. Discussions emphasized the need for a national cultural strategy, grassroots initiatives, and accessible education to foster entrepreneurial skills. It launched the mapping of Bulgaria’s cultural ecosystem, setting the foundation for collaborative growth.
Italy (March 21, 2024)
This forum, with 70 participants, focused on systemic relationships among cultural operators, educators, and students. Interactive workshops encouraged students to explore cultural entrepreneurship, while discussions spotlighted education and collaboration as tools for innovation in CH.
Cyprus (May 20, 2024)
Held at the Leventis Gallery in Nicosia with 36 attendees, the forum highlighted challenges like insufficient market connections and legislative barriers. Keynote speakers, including the Deputy Minister of Culture, stressed the importance of integrating real-world business experiences and supporting entrepreneurs.
Poland (May 27, 2024)
In Rzeszów, the forum brought together 42 participants to address challenges in Poland’s cultural sector. Key takeaways included the need for policy reforms, increased government support, and enhanced community engagement through cultural institutions.
Slovenia (June 6, 2024)
With 54 attendees, this forum focused on integrating CH with entrepreneurship. Discussions explored local traditions, artisan collaborations, and the need for sustainable practices. Participants emphasized the role of education and financial support in preserving heritage while fostering innovation.
Overall, the forums collectively gathered insights to inform the design of an educational curriculum that nurtures innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in CCI.
