At Espacio Arroelo we strongly believe in the power of international networks to enrich our community and projects. Our recent visit to Blackburn (UK), as part of the European Creative Hub Network, allowed us to immerse ourselves in a vibrant ecosystem of creativity, sustainability and community engagement. Through our experience in The Making Rooms and other key spaces, we gathered valuable learnings that will strengthen our initiatives in Pontevedra.
The Making Rooms: innovation and maker community
Led by Tom, The Making Rooms is much more than a maker space: it is a catalyst for sustainable and social projects. During our visit, we explored several initiatives that combine technology, creativity and commitment to the environment:
Ecolab: This innovative project focuses on reusing food scraps to create new sustainable materials. We learned how a creative eye can transform waste into valuable resources.
Precious Plastics: We delved into the world of recycled plastics, making objects such as flower pots and buttons from bottle caps. We also learned about the Replay project, which promotes learning among young people by repairing video games, showing how sustainability can become an educational tool.
Innovative machinery: We explored state-of-the-art tools such as the CNC machine and a sock machine, understanding their potential for artisanal manufacturing and local development.
We participated in a community workshop with Nashir, a young entrepreneur, learning about the creation of recycled coasters.
The day at The Making Rooms culminated with a community event in which we were honoured to participate. This space, full of local makers, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts, allowed us to exchange ideas and present the projects of Espacio Arroelo and the European network. This event reinforced the importance of international connections to inspire and strengthen local initiatives.
Art, education and collaboration at Blackburn
Blackburn is noted for its commitment to art and education as drivers of social transformation. During our visit, we explored spaces that reflect this spirit
Prism Art Gallery: this gallery, which is dedicated to supporting local artists, especially students, impressed us with its focus on inclusion and emerging talent. We met Lidia, a local artist with whom we explored opportunities to integrate her into our European network.
University College of Blackburn: At this college we delved into its programmes dedicated to visual arts, photography and screen printing, which foster creative talent within the community.
Lunar Project: At Blackburn Cathedral we were surprised by a temporary art installation, created by a local artist, which connects art with public space, transforming people's relationship with the urban environment.
In addition, we were able to meet with representatives from Blackburn City Council, who expressed interest in future collaborations, expanding the possibilities for cultural and artistic exchange.
The Youth Zone: a window to social impact
One of the highlights of our visit was a visit to the Youth Zone, a dedicated youth centre in Blackburn that offers activities ranging from food to boxing, technology to extreme sports. Here we discovered a particularly moving story: that of a refugee woman who, thanks to the Youth Zone's support, went on to represent refugees in the Olympics. This experience reaffirmed our commitment to youth and the importance of creating inclusive spaces and opportunities.
Towards the future of Espacio Arroelo
Our experience in Blackburn has been transformative. We took away concrete ideas to develop at Espacio Arroelo, from sustainability projects to arts and youth empowerment initiatives. In addition, the connections we have established with other European hubs and the Blackburn maker community open new doors for exchanges and collaborations.
Blackburn showed us the power of creativity and community to generate impact. These lessons will be the basis for further growth at Espacio Arroelo, connecting the local with the global.
