Rural Hackers is an initiative dedicated to breathing new life into rural areas by combining technology and art. We help communities facing depopulation and limited resources in rural Europe by providing digital tools and creative opportunities. Our goal is to promote growth, spark collective action, and preserve cultural heritage, ensuring that rural regions adapt and flourish in a rapidly changing world.
By working side-by-side with locals, international experts, and like-minded organizations, we create projects tailored to each community’s needs. For some places, this might mean introducing online platforms that help local initiatives reach new audiences or training youth in digital skills. For others, it could be highlighting cultural traditions through art installations, murals, or performances that honor the region’s identity and unique history.
We believe that when technology and artistic expression come together, they can inspire both economic and social transformation. That’s why we listen closely to community members, making sure every project comes from their insights and fits their everyday realities.
One of our main focuses is hosting artistic and tech residencies, supported by the European Union and private companies, which bring youth innovators into rural communities to collaborate on creative solutions.
We run local programs that bring communities together through practical skills and shared learning. “Tecnoarranxo” focuses on refurbishing computers, ensuring access to technology for those who need it most. “A Fuchiqueira,” our monthly repair café, features diverse stations where participants can dive into web development, learn practical skills like repairing electronic devices, or even explore traditional dancing. Each year, we also host a hackathon that unites volunteers to build websites for local entrepreneurs and NGOs, helping them expand their reach and strengthen connections within the community.
At the heart of Rural Hackers is the conviction that real transformation happens when people join forces around a shared purpose. We stand ready to support, empower, and spark new ideas that preserve what makes rural life special, while opening up fresh possibilities for generations to come.
Follow us on www.instagram.com/ruralhackers
