As part of the ECHN mobility grants, I recently traveled from Athens to Vienna for a peer-to-peer exchange at Commonroom, a multidisciplinary creative space that has become a central point for art, design, and cultural dialogue. The experience was a significant step in preparing for my research project, which focuses on mapping cultural and creative hubs across Austria. I was fortunate to work alongside another researcher who shared the same objective, which created a collaborative atmosphere that enriched our findings.
A Hub for Artistic and Social Innovation
From the moment I arrived at Commonroom, I was struck by its vibrant energy and its role as a meeting place for artists, designers, and community members. This wasn’t just a gallery space or event venue—it was a live, evolving platform where art, culture, and social responsibility intersected. Commonroom is unique in its dedication to supporting contemporary design and socially engaged projects, making it a powerful example of how creative hubs can shape their local environments.
The exhibitions I saw at Commonroom ranged from thought-provoking design installations to socially conscious art projects that aimed to engage the public in conversations about pressing societal issues. The space felt very much alive, with visitors and artists interacting in workshops and performances that emphasized collaboration and innovation. This made Commonroom stand out as a place that does more than showcase art—it fosters an environment where art can spark social change.
Working Towards the Mapping Project
During my time at Commonroom, I focused on understanding how this creative hub functions as both an artistic space and a community center. It was crucial to observe how Commonroom maintained its dual identity—serving both the creative class and the public while engaging with ongoing social issues through its programs. These observations helped me refine the scope of my research for the upcoming mapping of creative hubs across Austria.
What was most useful was seeing how Commonroom managed to integrate various disciplines—art, design, performance—into a single space, while maintaining a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. This cross-pollination of ideas is something I want to see more of in the rural hubs I study in Greece, and it has given me fresh perspectives on how creative spaces can thrive in both urban and rural settings.
Collaborating with a Fellow Researcher
One of the most rewarding aspects of the visit was collaborating with my fellow researcher, who was also working on the same project. We shared our findings and observations throughout the visit, exchanging ideas on how to map out the cultural hubs we had seen and gather data that would accurately reflect their contributions to the creative ecosystem. While my colleague focused on gathering quantitative data on the operational aspects of hubs in Austria, I concentrated on understanding the qualitative impact that these spaces had on their communities. Our complementary approaches gave us a well-rounded perspective on the creative sector.
Conclusion
This peer-to-peer exchange in Vienna has been an invaluable experience for both my colleague and me. Visiting Commonroom not only provided direct insights into Austria’s vibrant cultural scene but also helped me refine my approach for mapping creative hubs in the country. The blend of artistic expression and social innovation at Commonroom has given me new ideas for how rural creative hubs in Greece could evolve. I am excited to continue this research and bring the lessons learned from Vienna into the broader conversation on the role of creative hubs in shaping cultural landscapes.
