Spending four days at Anceu Coliving was an experience unlike any other. My time there was a perfect combination of creativity, community, and connection to nature. Coming from CRU in Porto, where the urban creative energy thrives, I was excited to immerse myself in a completely rural environment.
The main goals of my trip were:
– Explore Anceu Coliving’s model of creative collaboration in a rural setting
– Exchange best practices on community-driven artistic and entrepreneurial projects
– Discuss strategies for integrating sustainability into creative work
– Build potential connections between CRU and Anceu for future partnerships
Each day brought something new. Mornings started with shared breakfasts, discussing all things about work projects and reflections on creativity and sustainability. I spent my first full day exploring the workspace, an inviting mix of cozy communal areas and quiet corners perfect for deep work. In the afternoon, I joined a hands-on workshop on regenerative design, where we discussed how creative professionals can integrate sustainability into their work while staying true to their artistic vision. Later, a group of us took a walk through the surrounding forests, a much-needed reminder that stepping away from screens and city life can be a valuable reset.
By the third day, I found myself deeply engaged in the community, collaborating on an impromptu creative session with a visual artist and a writer who were also staying at Anceu. Together, we brainstormed a multidisciplinary project that combined storytelling, photography, and local craftsmanship. Evenings were filled with communal dinners, where homemade food and long conversations created a sense of belonging that felt effortless. I left Anceu knowing that this wasn’t just a visit, it was the beginning of an ongoing exchange between CRU and Anceu.
Rita Cortes
