I recently visited Athens as a participant in the staff exchange program, which facilitated my visit to Romantso Creative Hub in Athens from my home hub, Republikken in Copenhagen. My objective was to gain insight into Romantso’s unique approach to fostering creativity and supporting entrepreneurs in the cultural sector. At Republikken, we have spent nearly two decades building a space where self-employed professionals, startups, and creatives can thrive in an open and collaborative environment, and I was eager to see how Romantso, a hub that combines artistic production with business incubation, operates in a different cultural context.
Over four days, I had the opportunity to observe their coworking structure, explore their approach to community-building, and participate in cultural events, all while engaging with local entrepreneurs, artists, and creative professionals.
The Romantso team welcomed me warmly, giving me a tour of their coworking facilities, private studios, event spaces, and bar. Unlike a conventional coworking space, Romantso operates as a hybrid model that supports both business startups and cultural production, making it a uniquely inspiring environment.
That evening, I was invited to attend a live electronic music performance in their venue, an event that drew in a diverse audience of creatives, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts. The atmosphere was electrifying, and it quickly became clear that Romantso is not just a workplace but an ecosystem where professional collaboration seamlessly merges with artistic expression.
Over the next four days, I had the opportunity to experience Romantso’s coworking environment firsthand. The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, much like Republikken, but with a stronger emphasis on the intersection of entrepreneurship and the arts. I spent my mornings working alongside local freelancers, designers, and small business owners, engaging in insightful conversations about the realities of being a self-employed creative in Athens. I was particularly interested in learning about how Romantso supports early-stage creative businesses, from mentorship programs to access to funding and resources.
One evening, I joined a small group from Romantso for a guided walk through Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its strong cultural and activist scene. The discussions we had about how urban spaces shape artistic identity gave me new perspectives on how coworking hubs can contribute to urban regeneration and cultural preservation.
This exchange has broadened my understanding of how coworking hubs can serve as catalysts for both professional and cultural development, and I leave Athens feeling inspired to integrate some of these ideas into Republikken’s future projects. I look forward to exploring potential collaborations between our hubs and continuing this dialogue across borders.
