Edition: Matera, Italy (2025)
Creative entrepreneurship and social innovation to stimulate sustainable development
Dates: October 26 – November 2, 2025
Location: Matera, Italy
Working Language: English
Application Deadline: August 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM CEST
About This Edition
The second edition of CREAPOLIS will take place in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage city that has transformed cultural heritage into a driver of local innovation. Hosted by Materahub—a leading organization in creative entrepreneurship and cross-sector collaboration—this edition offers participants direct access to methodologies that power creative hubs, public-private cooperation, and community-led development.
With a focus on post-war recovery and regional revitalization, participants will explore how innovative strategies from Southern Italy can be adapted to the Ukrainian context.
Located in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, Matera is a medium-sized city that has successfully mobilized creativity and innovation as drivers of local development. Despite its geographic and economic peripherality, Matera has redefined its trajectory through strong community engagement, cultural entrepreneurship, and international collaboration—especially following its designation as European Capital of Culture in 2019.
This edition is organized in collaboration with Consorzio Materahub, a leading organization that leverages innovation and cross-sector entrepreneurship to foster community activation and regional growth. Materahub has been instrumental in reimagining local development strategies, mobilizing local assets, and building international partnerships to overcome systemic constraints.
What You’ll Explore
- Creative hubs as engines for local collaboration and resilience
- Business models and funding for social and creative entrepreneurship
- Opportunities at the intersection of cultural heritage and tourism
- Long-term strategies for regional transformation through European cooperation
What Participants Can Expect
- A one-week, immersive, hands-on experience in Matera
- Practical tools and collaborative methodologies
- Exchange with local experts and European peers
- Inspiration for Ukraine’s recovery and future
- Access to a European network for continued cooperation
- All travel, accommodation, and programme costs are covered.
How to Apply
We welcome applications from experienced Ukrainian professionals engaged in community and civic development through culture, education, innovation, or entrepreneurship. This includes:
- Civil servants and local policymakers
- Educators, researchers, and social innovators
- Cultural and creative entrepreneurs
- Community organizers and local development actors
Tell us about your background, your current work, and why you wish to take part in CREAPOLIS. Applicants should demonstrate clear motivation, relevant experience, and a commitment to applying insights from CREAPOLIS to their local Ukrainian context.