In the framework of RegionArts under INTERREG EUROPE Programme, the Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA) organised the 4th Local Stakeholders’ Group (LSG) meeting ‘The value of co-creation’ on Thursday, February 27th 2020, at the Hellenic Design Centre.

This fourth meeting with the stakeholders was attended by representatives from public and regional authorities, academic/research institutes, cultural organisations and schemes.

At first, the participants were informed about the work progress of RegionArts project. Special focus was given on the first two Policy Booklets elaborated within the project

  1. Mapping the ecosystem – Activities Linking ICT and Art,
  2. Designing support measures promoting connections between artists and ICT), as well as on the results of programmes supporting synergies between arts/creative industries and ICT (two first calls of the Action ‘Research – Create – Innovate’ and call ‘Technology Vouchers for micro and small enterprises in the Region of Central Macedonia’).

Then the interactive workshop of co-creation followed about designing the up-coming ‘ICT meets the Arts’ event. After a short introduction to the scope, the organisational framework and some practical requirements, the participants were divided into two groups and – with the use of a specially formulated event planning tool – shared thoughts, concerns and expectations, coming up with ideas on ‘ICT meets the Arts’ event, which will take place next June. The active involvement of stakeholders (not only in designing but also during preparation and implementation phase) is considered essential, so that different needs of each sector are taken into consideration and finally make good use of the most appropriate ideas that will synthesize action with substantial results for our region.

The final part of the meeting was dedicated to the round table discussion about ‘The actual benefits of participating in an interregional project’. The basic outcomes of this fruitful discussion can be summarised in the following:

  • New ideas – Exchange
  • Networking
  • Cooperation
  • Interaction
  • Policy making
  • Extroversion
  • Innovation
  • Interdisciplinary approach