We’re launching the Open Call for the 2025 ECHN Workshop!

The ECHN Workshops program is now open for proposals from member hubs interested in hosting learning workshops, this year with a special focus on digital skills and the evolving needs of creators. This theme is not mandatory but applications that consider it will be encouraged and receive extra points at the evaluation stage. 

These workshops are a cornerstone of our mission to empower creative hubs—especially smaller and emerging hubs—to lead high-impact educational initiatives across Europe. Facilitated by the organising hub and supported by the ECHN team, these workshops are an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the network and the broader cultural and creative sectors.

What we offer

• 10.000€ grant for one workshop with a minimum of 15 participants
• Freedom to customise the workshop’s format around the year’s theme
• Support from the ECHN team 

Why smaller hubs?

 Smaller hubs often lack the resources to host large-scale events or lead flagship initiatives within European networks. However, insights from the Creative Hubs Barometer show that these hubs are often more agile, experimental, and closely involved in education and community learning. This program is designed to elevate their role and visibility.

Workshop format:

Blended learning model: Initial mentoring and planning will take place online, followed by a 4-day in-person workshop hosted at the selected hub’s location.

The Workshop should be implemented no later than April 2026.

 Participants:

The creative hub with the best proposal will have the chance to host 15 hub managers or cultural and creative professionals from across Europe who will later be selected to join the workshops.

Theme & Selection process:

Over the next four years, the primary focus of ECHN Workshops will be on digital skills. While proposals on other relevant topics are welcome, those addressing digital skills will be given priority.

The selection process is designed to be collaborative and transparent:

• All proposals will be evaluated and voted on by ECHN members.
• The ECHN management team will cast one collective vote.

To ensure inclusivity and adaptability, the final format of the workshops remains flexible, empowering organising hubs to adjust the structure based on their needs, resources, and local context.

Deadline for applications: 6th of June 

Pitching of proposals: Online (one week after closing the application - exact day and time will be announced shortly)

Voting: exact dates will be announced shortly

Ready to take the lead?

Submit your proposal and bring your hub’s knowledge, creativity, and educational impact to the European stage.

Click here to apply 

Evaluation Criteria:

• Pertinence: To what extent does the proposal offer pertinent topics to capacity building for hub managers?
• Originality: To what extent are the format and the content of the proposal original and creative?
• Planning: How well structured and organised is the proposal?
• Impact: How likely are the learnings to be implemented in other Creative Hubs and how much do these skills help develop new ventures?
• Quality: How good is the overall quality of the suggested program?
• Knowledge: What is the Hub’s background experience in the theme of focus?
• Digital: Does the project involve meaningful content in the digital skills and does it effectively leverage new skills that enhance the hub managers’ toolsets?

Extra

If you haven't participated in the online Info Session, we highly encourage you to watch the video from the event hosted during April's brunch.

If after that you still have questions, please contact natassa@creativehubs.net