From 26 October to 2 November 2025, the city of Matera (Italy) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture 2019 — is hosting the second edition of CREAPOLIS, a European exchange and capacity-building programme that supports Ukrainian professionals working at the crossroads of culture, creativity, and civic engagement.
Organised by b.creative in partnership with the ERSTE Foundation and Materahub, CREAPOLIS offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that connects cultural innovation with community development and post-war recovery.
A Highly Competitive Selection
This year, more than 150 applications were received from professionals across Ukraine. After a careful selection process, 18 participants were chosen to take part in the Matera edition — representing a diverse range of backgrounds, including civil servants, cultural heritage specialists, creative entrepreneurs, educators, and social innovators.
The group reflects the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Ukraine’s cultural and civic landscape. Together, they bring perspectives from large urban centres such as Kyiv and Lviv, as well as smaller cities including Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil.
A Programme Rooted in Practice and Exchange
The CREAPOLIS Matera 2025 programme focuses on how culture and creativity can serve as catalysts for community resilience and local transformation. Over the course of one week, participants will engage in workshops, study visits, and peer-learning sessions exploring four key themes:
- Creative hubs and entrepreneurship – building sustainable and socially engaged creative ecosystems.
- Cultural heritage and tourism innovation – using heritage as a tool for inclusive development.
- Public-private and civic collaboration – designing partnerships for local impact.
- Social innovation and place-making – linking creativity to social change and urban regeneration.
The programme is led by a team of international mentors and local experts, providing participants with practical tools, European methodologies, and new networks for collaboration.
Why Matera?
Few cities better embody the idea of culture-driven transformation than Matera. Once one of the poorest regions in Italy, Matera has reinvented itself through cultural investment, community engagement, and international cooperation. The city now serves as an ideal living lab for Ukrainian professionals seeking inspiration and concrete strategies for their own regional revitalisation efforts.
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact
All programme, travel, and accommodation costs are fully covered thanks to the support of ERSTE Foundation and the coordination of b.creative and Materahub.
Beyond the onsite experience, participants will contribute to the pre- and post-programme assessment, including surveys and reflection exercises designed to assess the programme’s impact and capture lessons learned for future editions.
Follow the Journey
Throughout the week, Materahub will share updates, insights, and stories from Matera on their social media channels.
Stay tuned to discover how Ukrainian professionals are reimagining their communities — and how creativity continues to serve as a bridge between reconstruction and innovation.
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