Spending four days at Culture Hub Croatia was an experience that left a lasting impression on me, both professionally and personally. I’ve always been passionate about supporting women in the creative industries, but I’ve also seen firsthand the struggles many of us face (limited funding opportunities, undervaluation of our work, and the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability). When I heard about this exchange focusing on entrepreneurship and the empowerment of women artists and creatives, I knew I had to be part of it. I wanted to connect with others who share these experiences, exchange ideas, and explore ways to build a more supportive ecosystem for women in the arts.
Culture Hub Croatia’s space itself is a vibrant and welcoming hub for creatives. One of the most impactful moments for me was attending a roundtable on women-led creative businesses, where artists, designers, and cultural entrepreneurs shared their journeys. Hearing their stories was both eye-opening and empowering. I also took part in a practical workshop on sustainable business models, which challenged me to think beyond traditional funding structures and explore new ways of sustaining a creative practice.
But what truly made this exchange special were the connections I formed outside of the scheduled sessions. Over shared meals, coffee breaks, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions, I met women who, like me, are working to carve out their own space in the creative world. There was a real sense of solidarity and mutual support, something I will carry with me back to Tirana. Being at Culture Hub Croatia reminded me that there is a growing network of women in the arts who are reshaping the industry, lifting each other up, and proving that creativity and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.
