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The blended intensive programme of the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics gave strong momentum to the development of the H&ART Incubator within the KreativEU alliance

The blended intensive programme “Creating Art and Heritage Incubators that Matter: From Idea to Impact”, organised by the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, brought together representatives of nine out of the eleven partner universities in the KreativEU alliance. The programme was dedicated to the creation and development of the H&ART Incubator – a transnational incubator for art, cultural heritage, and cultural and creative industries being established within the KreativEU alliance. It was implemented in two components: an on-site part held from 15–19 June 2026 in Plovdiv, and a virtual component on 30 June 2026.

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Over the course of six days, lecturers, researchers, experts, and representatives of the partner institutions worked together on key topics related to the governance, strategic development, and sustainability of the Incubator. The programme included lectures, workshops, co‑creative labs, round‑table discussions, interactive and experiential formats aimed at developing governance models, stakeholder‑engagement mechanisms, digital infrastructure, and an impact‑assessment system for incubation activities.

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A group of people sitting at a tableA group of people sitting at tables with laptops

A particular emphasis was placed on the role of cultural heritage as a driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants had the opportunity to explore Plovdiv’s rich cultural heritage during a dedicated walking seminar focused on the city’s cultural resources and their significance for the development of creative ecosystems.

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In a World Café format, organised in three thematic groups, the participants identified challenges and opportunities and proposed practical solutions for the three key target groups – mentors, incubatees, and external stakeholders – with the aim of building a successful, sustainable, and impactful incubator.

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One of the most inspiring events in the programme was the panel discussion on artistic residencies, held at the Boris Hristov House of Culture with the active support of Plovdiv Municipality. The discussion featured the Deputy Mayor for Culture, Archaeology and Tourism, Mr. Plamen Panov, Dr. Svetlana Kuyumdzhieva and Dr. Magdalena Gereva, who shared valuable practical experience related to the design, management, and sustainable development of artistic residency programmes. Plovdiv was presented as an example of successful cultural policy and innovative practices that build upon the city’s legacy as the European Capital of Culture 2019.

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The participants also worked on developing a concept for a Territorial and Transnational Observatory for Cultural and Creative Industries – a new structure within the H&ART Incubator that will support decision‑making through data collection and analysis, sectoral research, and strategic recommendations.

Significant attention was devoted to designing the digital space of the H&ART Incubator. Through a series of collaborative workshops and brainstorming sessions, the core functionalities, user scenarios, and technical requirements of the future digital infrastructure were proposed and discussed. This infrastructure will connect students, artists, researchers, mentors, and stakeholders from all countries across the alliance.

The participants further contributed to generating ideas and selecting formats for student competitions aimed at fostering entrepreneurial thinking and spirit among KreativEU students. Various models for stimulating creativity, innovation, and teamwork were discussed, with the goal of integrating them into future H&ART initiatives.

During the programme, participants had the opportunity to observe and experience the first meeting of the Transnational Managing Board of the H&ART Incubator, the adoption of the rotational scheme for its chairmanship, and the admission of the first mentors.

A workshop dedicated to measuring the impact of incubation processes was also held within the programme, along with a concluding session summarising the results achieved and outlining the next steps in the development of the H&ART incubator.

The programme concluded with an official online ceremony marking the launch of the H&ART Incubator and the admission of its first cohort of incubatees. Participants had the opportunity to witness the digital signing through which the members of the Transnational Managing Board formally endorsed the start of the H&ART Incubator.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.