Workshop in the Kvarner Region Sets the Stage for Creative Living Labs

On Friday, July 25, 2025, the SOCRAT – Socializing Craft & Contemporary Art for Sustainable Tourism project hosted an inspiring stakeholder workshop at the House of the Halubje Bell Ringers in Viškovo. The event gathered representatives from the cultural and creative industries, civil society organizations and contemporary art to share insights and build cross-sectoral collaboration.

The workshop was designed to:

• Gather qualitative insights from stakeholders through structured dialogue

• Connect participants from different sectors and encourage cross-sectoral exchange

• Identify opportunities for co-creating innovative tourism products

• Introduce participants to the upcoming Creative Living Labs within the SOCRAT project

The session began with an overview of the SOCRAT project and its goals, followed by a reflection on cultural valorization and an engaging round of introductions where participants shared what culture means in their communities.

Participants then worked in thematic groups, exploring:

• Practical applications of cultural valorization

• Opportunities for collaboration and innovation across sectors

• Ideas for new, sustainable, culture-based tourism products

Finally, the groups presented their ideas and findings in a plenary session, generating rich discussion and shared conclusions.

To wrap up the workshop, participants were invited to actively take part in the next project phase—Creative Living Labs.

All participating focus group members showed high levels of interest in the project’s goals and future activities. The workshop provided a unique opportunity for meaningful exchange of ideas and building new connections across cultural and creative fields. Many attendees expressed excitement about joining the Creative Living Labs, where these initial conversations will evolve into concrete, innovative outcomes.