Coming from DumBO in Bologna, a creative hub deeply rooted in the adaptive reuse of post-industrial spaces, we have always explored ways to foster connections between culture, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. While our primary work focuses on the urban creative scene, we are increasingly interested in how cultural hubs can act as catalysts for innovation and community empowerment on a broader scale. Materahub, with its strong European partnerships and focus on capacity-building for the cultural and creative industries (CCIs), provided an invaluable model for understanding how creative hubs can support entrepreneurship and drive economic and social change.
Though we operate in an urban environment, our visit to Materahub highlighted how cultural initiatives can bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary creative industries. The discussions and activities demonstrated how Materahub successfully integrates cultural heritage, innovation, and entrepreneurship into its ecosystem, strengthening the local and European creative community. This experience encouraged us to reflect on how DumBO could further collaborate with international networks and bring new opportunities to creative professionals in Bologna and beyond.
The structured exchange program provided us with key insights into the operational models of creative hubs, covering essential topics such as business sustainability, international collaboration, and community engagement. Materahub’s work in supporting female entrepreneurs in CCIs was particularly inspiring, offering new perspectives on inclusive business models and gender equity in the creative sector.
The true impact of this exchange lay in the combination of theoretical discussions and real-world applications. Meeting local creative entrepreneurs, engaging in discussions on policy change and funding structures, and exploring Matera’s vibrant cultural landscape provided a comprehensive understanding of how a hub can contribute to both local and international creative ecosystems. Walking through the city, visiting artisan workshops, and discussing the intersection of sustainability, cultural heritage, and creative industries deepened our appreciation for how Materahub fosters meaningful cultural and economic impact.
Our time at Materahub has significantly contributed to our understanding of how to enhance our own initiatives at DumBO. The exchange of knowledge, best practices, and hands-on experiences reinforced the importance of connecting urban creative hubs with wider European networks.
