News – Creative District

Design2Freedom at ICERI 2025: Our contribution to inclusive higher education

Aurelie — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:50:13 +0000

Design2Freedom Takes the
International Stage in Sevilla

The Design2Freedom consortium, of which Creative District is a proud partner, achieved a significant milestone today at the International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI 2025) in Sevilla, Spain — one of Europe's leading academic events on innovation and inclusion in higher education.
Laura Ruiz Minguet from COCEMFE (Spain), representing the consortium, presented the collaborative research paper:

Person-Centered Inclusive Design in Higher Education: A Case Study from the Design2Freedom Project

The presentation took place within the Special Education (1) session chaired by Catherine Comfort from The Open University (UK), showcasing the innovative methodologies developed by the five-partner consortium.

A European Partnership for Inclusive Education

Design2Freedom is an Erasmus+ KA220-HED project (2023–2026) bringing together five partners from Spain, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Belgium:

The consortium unites universities, NGOs, and creative organizations with a shared mission: to promote person-centered and participatory design in higher education, ensuring that people with disabilities are not passive beneficiaries but active co-creators in shaping learning and social environments.

Creative District's Contribution to the Project

As the creative innovation and capacity building partner, Creative District brings its expertise in:

• Participatory design methodologies adapted from our work with entrepreneurs and communities
• Human-centered innovation approaches bridging design thinking with social inclusion
• Cross-sectoral collaboration connecting education, creativity, and civil society
• EU project delivery experience ensuring quality implementation and dissemination

Through our involvement, we contribute to developing replicable tools and methodologies that make inclusion tangible across European higher education institutions.

Key Results Presented at ICERI 2025

The presentation highlighted the concrete outcomes of the pilot activities implemented across partner universities:

Innovative Teaching Approaches

• Active learning methodologies based on the social model of disability
• Collaborative work involving students with and without disabilities
• Co-design processes with teachers and local NGOs

Tangible Deliverables

• Design2Freedom Toolkit – Practical resources for inclusive design in HE
• MOOC – Accessible online training
• Good Practice Guide – Replicable methodologies for universities
• Map of Experiences – Documentation of pilot implementations

The research demonstrates how person-centered design enhances both teaching quality and student engagement, while strengthening collaboration between academia and civil society.

Strategic Alignment with Creative District's Mission

This project perfectly aligns with Creative District’s dual-track model:

Bottom-Up: Co-creating with students, educators, and disability organizations to develop practical, user-centered solutions.

Top-Down: Influencing higher education policy and practices through evidence-based methodologies and academic dissemination.

Design2Freedom also connects with our engagement in the New European Bauhaus, sharing its values of beauty, sustainability, and inclusion — demonstrating how creative innovation can transform educational spaces into more accessible and human-centered environments.

Academic Visibility and Long-Term Impact

The consortium’s participation in ICERI 2025 marks a key milestone in the project’s dissemination strategy, bringing our collaborative work to the international academic community.

By presenting at one of Europe’s premier education research conferences, the consortium reinforces its contribution to building more accessible, equitable, and human-centered universities — bridging education, creativity, and social innovation.

This academic visibility strengthens Creative District’s position as a partner in inclusive design and participatory innovation, while expanding our network within European higher education institutions.

Learn More About Design2Freedom

All project results — including the MOOC, Toolkit, and Good Practice Guide — are freely available:

design 2 freedom | website

Follow the project on social media: #Design2Freedom

ICERI 2025 | abstract view

Read : The cultural and creative industries: a key sector on a global, European and African scale

Aurelie — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:45:54 +0000

The Cultural and Creative Industries:
A Key Sector Globally, in Europe, and Africa

Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) have become one of the major drivers of the global economy. They encompass diverse sectors such as audiovisual, performing arts, music, publishing, visual arts, fashion, advertising, and video games. Their economic weight and job creation capacity are now widely recognized, prompting policymakers to support their development, especially in urban areas where activity is concentrated.

Global Weight of CCIs

Worldwide, the CCI market is estimated at nearly $2.5 trillion in 2025, representing about 3% of global GDP. This sector employs nearly 30 million people, accounting for approximately 6% of global employment. CCIs thus surpass traditional sectors like automotive or telecommunications in terms of both job creation and revenue generation.

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Europe: A Historical and Current Leader

Europe remains one of the world’s main hubs for CCIs. In 2025, it represents the second-largest market globally, with an annual turnover of €536 billion, or 4.2% of European GDP. CCIs employ over 7 million people across the continent, making it the second-largest employment sector after construction and ahead of the automotive industry.

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Africa: A Rapidly Growing Market

Although Africa is still behind Europe and Asia, its CCIs are growing rapidly. In 2025, the African continent accounts for about 5% of the global market, generating nearly $125 billion in revenue. African CCIs currently create over 20 million jobs, with their contribution to the continent’s GDP projected to reach 4% by 2030.

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Some African countries stand out:

• Nigeria: 4.2 million jobs, with Nollywood representing 2% of national GDP.
• South Africa: approximately 1 million jobs.
• Democratic Republic of Congo: 1.2 million jobs.
• Despite these positive trends, Africa lags in exporting creative goods and services due to structural challenges such as limited financing, skill shortages, and weak distribution infrastructure.

Cultural and Creative Industries have shown steady growth over the past decade in terms of employment, GDP share, and revenue. Policymakers, especially in urban centers, increasingly recognize the strategic importance of this sector and are actively supporting its development. While Europe remains a historic and structural leader, Africa—driven by a creative youth and digital expansion—is emerging as a rapidly growing player. Today, CCIs rank among the top economic sectors and job creators worldwide, confirming their central role in the 21st-century economy

Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity Report

Choice of legal status

Aurelie — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:58:48 +0000

Choosing the right legal structure is far more than an administrative formality — it’s a strategic decision that fundamentally shapes your ability to raise funds, optimize taxation, and attract qualified investors.
Yet many creative entrepreneurs rush this choice, overlooking its long-term impact on the development of their business. The legal framework you adopt can either support your growth or seriously limit your ambitions.

From a funding perspective, each legal status opens or restricts access to specific types of financing. A sole proprietorship, for example, cannot welcome equity investors, which severely limits fundraising potential. In contrast, a French SAS (simplified joint-stock company) offers maximum flexibility: it allows for multiple financing rounds, the creation of different share classes with specific rights, and a progressive onboarding of investors while maintaining founder control. Associations, meanwhile, can access public grants and philanthropic funding unavailable to commercial structures — but cannot distribute profits to their members.

Tax optimization is another key dimension of legal structuring. Companies subject to corporate tax can benefit from targeted measures like the Research Tax Credit — especially attractive for innovative projects in the creative industries — and income tax reductions for SME investors. The status of "young innovative company" can also grant substantial social security exemptions in the early years of activity. Conversely, structures like sole proprietorships expose the entrepreneur to personal taxation, which can become punitive in the case of success.

Investor appeal is also closely linked to your legal structure. Business angels and investment funds overwhelmingly prefer SAS companies, known for their clear governance, protection of minority shareholders, and ease of exit. While SARLs (limited liability companies) offer advantages for founders, their rigid transfer rules and less flexible governance often deter external investors. Cooperative structures, though attractive for socially impactful projects, may also dissuade certain investors due to their shared governance philosophy and limitations on capital gains.

Intellectual property — a core asset in the creative industries — also requires careful legal structuring. A holding company can be created specifically to own IP rights and license them to operational subsidiaries. This approach optimizes tax treatment and enhances the valuation of intangible assets. It also offers protection in case one branch of activity encounters difficulties and facilitates international partnerships.

At Creative District, our legal structuring support goes far beyond basic advice. We take a 360° view of your project — your growth ambitions, your sector-specific context, and your personal situation — to propose the structure that will best support your trajectory. We also anticipate the future evolution of your business to help you avoid costly restructuring and seize funding opportunities at the right time.

Why creative financing is different ?

Aurelie — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:03:42 +0000

The creative and cultural industries don’t play by the rules of traditional economics—and that’s precisely where both their strength and their vulnerability lie.
Unlike classic manufacturing or service sectors, creative entrepreneurs navigate through unpredictable cycles: long, immersive periods of creation—resource-intensive and rarely profitable upfront—followed by shorter, sometimes volatile, phases of commercialization. This unique rhythm creates financing needs that standard banking systems often fail to understand or accommodate.

Where traditional businesses present tangible assets—machines, real estate, inventory—creatives must prove the value of something far less visible: intellectual property, artistic vision, originality, cultural relevance. Yet these intangible assets are the very core of value creation in the creative economy. Still, they rarely fit within conventional financial evaluation frameworks, and almost never qualify as guarantees for loans.

Add to this the hybrid and fluid nature of creative business models: a design studio might consult for corporate clients, sell digital art, license its work, and host public events—all at once. These intersecting income streams are a strength, a strategy for resilience, but they often blur the lines that banks and investors rely on to assess risk and project profitability.

At Creative District, we speak both languages—the one of creativity, and the one of finance.
We help creative entrepreneurs structure their vision, build financing plans aligned with their creation cycles, and identify funding sources that understand the real dynamics of the sector.
Whether you're looking for public support schemes tailored to CCIs, mission-driven investors, or innovative financial mechanisms that reflect your artistic practice—we guide you to what fits your ambition, not just your balance sheet.

Creative Spaces: Catalysts for Collaborative Ecosystems

Aurelie — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:49:23 +0000

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In an era where innovation and collaboration are key to addressing complex social and cultural challenges, creative spaces are playing a transformative role in fostering dynamic and resilient communities. These spaces act as hubs for creative minds, offering platforms where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate, share skills, and bring innovative projects to life. The activities of Creative District exemplify how such spaces can catalyze the development of ecosystems that thrive on collective creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Power of Creative Spaces
Creative spaces are much more than physical locations; they are ecosystems where people can exchange ideas, experiment with new concepts, and explore innovative solutions to common challenges. By providing tools, networks, and resources, these spaces create a fertile environment for collaboration and community building. They attract artists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and social innovators who are eager to contribute to and benefit from this shared creative energy.
In Brussels, Creative District is an example of how these spaces can serve as catalysts for collaboration and innovation. Its mission is not only to support creative and cultural industries but also to foster social innovation by connecting people across sectors and communities. By facilitating the meeting of actors from different fields, Creative District encourages them to take risks, step beyond known solutions, and co-create projects that have a real impact on society.

Activities of Creative District
Creative District is structured around two key functions: hubs and incubators. These functions reflect the dual mission of the district: supporting individual creativity while also fostering a broader collaborative ecosystem.

Hubs: As research and development spaces, the hubs of the Creative District focus on enabling the exchange of knowledge and expertise. They are designed to help creative professionals meet, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their fields. The district’s hubs support both individual and collective projects, allowing members to share ideas, exchange skills, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Incubators: The incubators within the Creative District are dedicated to the development of local ecosystems and support for entrepreneurs. They serve as a launching pad for projects that identify and address the needs of local communities. These incubators provide creative and cultural entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, from business development resources to mentorship and networking opportunities. The focus is on nurturing social innovation and helping creative entrepreneurs turn their ideas into tangible solutions that benefit their communities.
Creative Spaces in Action: Motown, Ubuntu Loft, and Ubuntu Art Studio
Three key spaces within the Creative District—Motown Concert Hall, Ubuntu Loft, and Ubuntu Art Studio—illustrate how creative spaces can serve as platforms for collaboration and community-building.

Motown Concert Hall: This venue not only hosts concerts and performances but also serves as a space for artists in residence. It provides artists with the time and resources they need to develop their craft, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate with others. By offering accompaniment in creation, Motown ensures that artists have the support they need to bring their visions to life while engaging with a broader community.
Ubuntu Loft: As a networking space, Ubuntu Loft is a hub for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members to meet, exchange ideas, and build partnerships. Whether it’s through formal networking events or informal gatherings, Ubuntu Loft fosters a culture of collaboration, helping individuals and organizations find common ground and work together on innovative projects.
Ubuntu Art Studio: A showcase space for artists, Ubuntu Art Studio offers a platform for both emerging and established artists to display their work, engage with audiences, and gain visibility. It also serves as a space for workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative art projects, further enhancing the sense of community and shared creativity that defines the Creative District.

Impact on the Broader Ecosystem
By facilitating the meeting of creative minds, Creative District goes beyond merely hosting events or offering workspaces. It fosters a culture of experimentation, where people are encouraged to try new things, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. The district’s impact can be seen in the local ecosystems it has helped develop, which are characterized by strong networks of support, ongoing collaboration, and a commitment to social and cultural innovation.

For example, by identifying the specific needs of the communities it serves, Creative District has been able to implement projects that have a lasting impact. Whether it’s supporting artists through residencies, helping entrepreneurs launch socially innovative businesses, or creating spaces where communities can come together, the Creative District is a vital part of Brussels’ cultural and creative landscape.

Cultural Entrepreneurship: A Key to Sustainable Futures

Aurelie — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:15:00 +0000

Creative & Cultural Industries

As the global economy navigates the pressing challenges of climate change, social equity, and economic resilience, cultural entrepreneurship emerges as a key driver of sustainable development. More than just a means of creative expression, cultural entrepreneurship fosters economic independence while integrating sustainable practices into the heart of artistic and cultural industries. By leveraging innovation, collaboration, and ethical responsibility, cultural entrepreneurs contribute to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The Intersection of Culture and Sustainability
Sustainability in cultural entrepreneurship goes beyond environmental responsibility. It encompasses economic viability, social impact, and cultural preservation. Entrepreneurs in the creative industries are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their business models, addressing issues such as resource efficiency, ethical production, and fair labor practices. By adopting circular economy principles—where materials are reused, repurposed, and recycled—cultural entrepreneurs reduce waste and promote responsible consumption.

Moreover, sustainability in cultural entrepreneurship embraces social responsibility by fostering community engagement, inclusivity, and heritage preservation. Many cultural initiatives prioritize ethical storytelling, ensuring that diverse voices are represented and that traditional knowledge is honored. These practices help bridge generational and cultural divides, strengthening local identity while remaining open to global influences.

Sustainable Business Models in Cultural Entrepreneurship
One of the defining aspects of sustainable cultural entrepreneurship is its ability to balance profitability with purpose. Many cultural entrepreneurs operate under hybrid models that blend commercial success with social or environmental impact. This can take the form of:
– Social Enterprises: Businesses that reinvest profits into community-driven projects, education, or environmental initiatives.
– Cooperatives: Collaborative ventures that empower artists, designers, and creators by providing shared resources and equitable decision-making structures.
– Slow Production Movements: Encouraging craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and longevity over mass production and fast consumerism.
– Digital Innovation: Using online platforms to distribute cultural content, reducing the carbon footprint associated with physical production and distribution.

Cultural Spaces as Catalysts for Sustainable Innovation
Creative hubs and cultural spaces play an essential role in promoting sustainability within the arts and culture sector. These spaces serve as incubators for emerging entrepreneurs, providing access to knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaborative networks. By fostering interdisciplinary exchanges, cultural spaces become laboratories for sustainable practices—where artists, designers, and innovators experiment with new materials, techniques, and business models that align with ecological and ethical values.

Sustainability in Arts and Culture

Aurelie — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:35:37 +0000

In the early 2000s, “sustainability” became a buzzword, embraced widely but with interpretations that often diluted its essence. However, its rise to popularity has led to a myriad of interpretations, some of which barely scratch the surface of its profound implications. Within the arts sector, the narrow focus has often been on securing long-term financial support. Yet, the Creative District vision transcends this limited perspective, aiming to explore the depths of sustainability in its richest forms for arts and culture education.

At its core, sustainability in the arts revolves around the content it chooses to engage with. Artworks and activities that address sustainability ideally weave together narratives of social justice, cultural diversity, and ecological balance. This approach goes beyond addressing these issues in isolation, aiming instead to uncover the intricate connections between cultural, social, economic, political, and ecological dimensions. Such art does not merely spotlight individual concerns but illuminates the complex web of interrelations that define our world, making it a potent vehicle for exploring sustainability in its fullest sense.

Sustainability in the arts also prompts a deeper ethical inquiry into what justice—or justices—means in today’s global landscape. It challenges us to embrace an ‘open culture’ that recognizes cultural diversity, supports participatory governance, and harmonizes with the natural world rather than imposing human will upon it. This perspective encourages artists and cultural institutions to critically engage with modernity’s myths—such as the notions of unending progress, affluence, and the supremacy of technology—and to question the societal roles and structures within which they operate.

Sustainability in the arts also calls for a critical examination of the art world itself, including its institutions and underlying power dynamics. Echoing the sentiments of the Institutional Critique movement, it recognizes that art does not exist in a vacuum but is deeply embedded within societal structures that can perpetuate elitism and social discrimination. This perspective prompts artists and art organizations to critically engage with the art market and its roles, challenging it to evolve beyond a luxury commodity or a haven for moral absolution.

Our projects, grounded in the ethos of sustainable development and enriched by a deep understanding of sustainability’s relevance in the creative sector, invites educators, young creative entrepreneurs and aspiring ones, and the broader community to embark on a journey of exploration and action. By reflecting sustainability into creative and cultural entrepreneurship education, we aim to cultivate a generation of thinkers and creators who are equipped to navigate and address the complexities of our world.

Through creativity, we have the power to envision and shape a sustainable future, one that honors the interconnectedness of all life and upholds the values of justice, diversity, and ecological integrity. Join us as we explore the new frontiers of sustainability in the creative sector, fostering a cultural landscape that is both reflective and transformative.