Newsletter
October 2025
Foreground
From Vision to Action: Materahub’s Roadmap for Ecological Transition
In March 2025, Materahub joined the Green Culture program, selected among 75 Italian organizations to co-design a three-year ecological transition roadmap. Guided by Green Coordinator Asami Gambino, the plan focuses on measurable actions—from digital waste reduction to low-impact data management—turning sustainability into actionable, inspiring practices.
Materahub’s strong internal governance, local and international reach, and motivated team make it a model for embedding ecological responsibility within the Cultural and Creative Industries, promoting innovation, awareness, and long-term impact.
Blog
The return of the Pontignano Conference
On October 16-17, Materahub participated in the 23rd Pontignano Conference near Siena, sharing Matera’s experience as a model where cultural initiatives create long-term impact by investing in people and communities. Paolo Montemurro highlighted how culture drives participation, develops skills, supports international collaboration, and empowers the next generation. The conference reinforced UK-Italy cooperation in the creative sector as a key driver of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development.
Media
Generativa Academy debuts in Naples
On October 3–4, Naples hosted the launch of Generativa Academy, designed by Materahub, Basilicata Creativa, Tlon and L’Orientale University, with scientific direction by Sineglossa.
The Academy gathered 80 artists, cultural professionals and students to critically and creatively explore generative AI in culture. Talks and workshops led by experts such as Andrea Colamedici, Diletta Huyskes, Martina Bagnoli, Bernardo Magnini and Simone Arcagni opened a vibrant reflection on the social, ethical and creative implications of AI.
Events
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs: free info webinar
Have a business idea or just started your own project? On November 5th at 16:00 (CET), join the free online webinar organised by Eurodesk and Materahub to discover how to take part in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme.
Learn how to apply, build an effective business plan, and explore funded mobility opportunities — including exchanges with and from Ukraine.
Promoting Europe
Promoting Europe is the official Materahub dissemination channel to stay updated on news, communities and opportunities coming from European projects. Read what’s new and follow us to keep in touch.
Change starts LOCAL(L)Y
The LOCALY Toolkit offers practical tools and activities to help youth workers guide young people in creating community-based environmental projects. Developed by Goethe-Institut Athen with partners including Materahub, it combines non-formal education, sustainability, and creativity to turn ideas into local action.
Halfway Through RURAL RiSE: connecting research, territories and people for rural transformation
At the midpoint of RURAL RiSE, we reflect on our progress from foundational research to transformative labs and new local actions, all driven by people, places, and shared vision.
Anchoring change through research
Early on, the RURAL RiSE Report mapped social economy practices and rural challenges across Spain, Italy, Serbia, and Belgium. It identified key levers for sustainable development, like digital skills, local networks, and supporting women and youth entrepreneurship. This research continues to guide our interventions.
Capacity Building Lab 1 in Miglionico (Italy)
The first Lab in Miglionico brought together local authorities, social economy actors, and experts to co-design strategies for rural revitalisation. Participants explored empowering social enterprises, connecting youth to green jobs, and embedding place-based approaches (inspired by New European Bauhaus values). The Lab set the tone: transformation is about identity and creativity, not just infrastructure.
You can read about the first CBL here >>
Capacity Building Lab 2 in Palilula – Niš (Serbia)
The second Lab in Palilula – Niš translated ideas into action. Using interactive tools, peer learning, and field visits, participants from Serbia, Spain, and Italy explored innovating from within. Real stories from successful social initiatives grounded the sessions, while joint work on Local Action Plans set the stage for upcoming local strategies.
You can read about the second CBL here >>
Looking ahead: Lab 3 & Valdefuentes in March
The journey continues in March 2026 with the third Lab in Valdefuentes (Spain). This session will emphasize Local Action Plans, focusing on empowering women and youth, fostering social entrepreneurship, and linking local assets to sustainable business models.
As we converge in Valdefuentes, partners will draw from research insights and lessons from Italy and Serbia to co-create actionable pathways for rural renewal.
What’s next
- Online training for local authorities and Social Economy Organisations
- Final conference in Brussels (June or July 2026)