Dates: March 17th to March 21st
Introduction
The Rural Connections exchange between FEM Coliving and Anceu Coliving was designed to strengthen rural coliving networks through cultural heritage sharing, community engagement, and knowledge exchange. This immersive experience explored how rural coliving spaces can serve as hubs for preserving invisible heritage and fostering collaborative innovation. The exchange also examined European funding opportunities and provided a hands-on experience of daily life in a rural coliving environment, creating a strong foundation for future collaborations.
Program Overview
Monday, March 17th: Arrival & Community Integration
The exchange started with our arrival at Anceu Coliving, where we were warmly
welcomed into their community. We had the chance to meet other colivers and get
familiar with the coliving space. The highlight of the day was participating in the Monday
house family meeting, an important part of Anceu’s community-building approach, which
gave us valuable insights into their governance model and daily structure.
Tuesday, March 18th: Exploring Rural Coliving Life
This day was dedicated to experiencing the rhythm of life in a rural coliving environment.
We took part in community activities such as communal meals, co-working sessions, and
shared projects, learning firsthand about Anceu’s participatory model and its impact on
collaboration and connection among residents.
Wednesday, March 19th: Invisible Heritage & Cultural Exchange
We started the day with a morning walk through Anceu forest, visiting Pegadas do
Recordo, a project that preserves invisible heritage through traditional dance. This was a
powerful experience that showed us how colivings can help protect local traditions. In the
evening, Anceu Coliving presented its different local projects, showing how they engage
with the surrounding community. This was followed by a presentation from FEM Coliving,
where we introduced our initiatives in Catalonia and shared our approach to community driven coliving models.
Thursday, March 20th: European Funding Workshop
One of the key objectives of this exchange was to explore funding opportunities for future
collaborations. During a workshop on European funding programs, we examined
initiatives such as Culture Moves Europe and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. This
session provided useful information on how both colivings can benefit from EU support to
improve their projects and create sustainable growth opportunities.
Friday, March 21st: Entre Culturas – A Community Celebration
The exchange ended with Entre Culturas, a community gathering that brought together
colivers and local villagers. The event included an exchange of traditional Galician dishes
and international cuisine, creating a space for cultural appreciation and dialogue.
Traditional music performances added to the atmosphere, and FEM Coliving had the
chance to present its approach to rural coliving in Catalonia, reinforcing the bonds
between both coliving spaces and the local community.
Expected & Achieved Outcomes
- Better Understanding of Rural Coliving Dynamics: FEM Coliving learned more about
Anceu Coliving’s approach to invisible heritage preservation and community engagement.
- Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices: Both colivings exchanged ideas on
governance, community participation, and rural development strategies.
- Exploration of European Funding Opportunities: The European funding workshop
gave concrete strategies for accessing Culture Moves Europe and Erasmus for Young
Entrepreneurs, supporting the financial sustainability of future collaborations.
- Community Strengthening through Cultural Exchange: The Entre Culturas event
strengthened connections between colivers and the local community, showing the
potential of coliving spaces as cultural hubs.
- Foundation for Future Joint Projects: By the end of the exchange, both hubs had
discussed potential future collaborations focused on heritage preservation, innovation,
and rural development.
Conclusion
The Rural Connections exchange successfully reinforced the relationship between FEM
Coliving and Anceu Coliving, setting the base for continued collaboration. Through shared
experiences, in-depth discussions, and real community participation, both hubs gained a
better understanding of their roles in rural revitalization and cultural preservation. This
exchange highlighted the importance of in-person meetings beyond virtual calls, proving
that real-world connections are essential for making meaningful impact.
The experience has not only strengthened our partnership but also helped us expand our
vision for the future of rural coliving in Europe. We are looking forward to building on this
foundation and exploring new opportunities for collective growth and innovation.
