From November 20-22, 2024, the vibrant city of Bari played host to two events that brought together key stakeholders in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSIs): Creativity meets Clusters and Artlab Bari.
Angelica Monaco, Director of the Regional Hub South, Javier Arias, Director of Business Creation, and Niccolo Caderni, Chairman of the EIT Culture & Creativity Supervisory Board, represented EIT Culture & Creativity at these events, engaging with partners, start-ups, and investors from the South region.
The first event Creativity meets Clusters, focused on fostering collaboration and investment opportunities within CCSIs. The second event, Artlab Bari provided a dynamic platform for discussions on the intersection of culture, creativity and innovation.
During their visit, the EIT Culture & Creativity representatives participated in various activities aimed at strengthening the ecosystem for cultural and creative industries. They met with regional partners, start-ups, and fellow investors, exploring avenues for collaboration and support. These interactions highlighted the potential for CCSIs to contribute significantly to regional development and economic resilience.
A highlight of the visit was Javier Arias’s participation in a panel discussion titled “What is Missing and Why,” which delved into the challenges and opportunities for investment in the CCSIs. Arias emphasized the need for targeted investment strategies that address the unique needs of cultural and creative enterprises. He highlighted the importance of fostering an environment that encourages innovation and supports the growth of start-ups in these sectors.
“Investment in CCSIs is crucial for unlocking their full potential,” Arias stated. “We need to identify the gaps in the current investment landscape and develop strategies that can effectively bridge these gaps. By doing so, we can create a thriving ecosystem that supports creativity and innovation.”
In addition to the panel discussion, the EIT Culture & Creativity team presented their strategic agenda and programmes to an audience of attendees at the Officina degli Esordi. This presentation provided insights into the organization’s vision for the future of CCSIs and outlined the initiatives designed to support their growth and sustainability.
Angelica Monaco highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in achieving these goals. “Our strategic agenda is built on the foundation of strong regional partnerships,” Monaco explained. “By working closely with our partners in the South region, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures creativity and drives economic growth.“
The visit to Bari was a testament to EIT Culture & Creativity’s commitment to fostering innovation and investment in the cultural and creative sectors. By engaging with regional partners, start-ups, and investors, the organization is paving the way for a future where creativity and innovation drive economic growth and cultural development.
As the events concluded, the representatives from EIT Culture & Creativity left Bari with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened network of partners committed to supporting the growth of CCSIs. The discussions and collaborations that took place during these events will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the cultural and creative industries in the South region and beyond.
