CREA-UP is an ambitious and forward-thinking project co-funded by the Creative Europe Program. It is driven by the vision of transforming the creative industries into pioneers of sustainability and environmental responsibility. It brings together designers, artists, and entrepreneurs with the shared goal of reimagining waste and giving it new life through upcycling, repurposing, and sustainable design.
CREA-UP is more than a project—it’s a movement designed to inspire innovation and ignite change by empowering creatives to adopt environmentally conscious practices and embrace the circular economy. By blending artistry with purpose, we seek to demonstrate that sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand, offering practical solutions to tackle waste and inefficiency in the design world.
This initiative is built on the belief that creative minds have the power to reshape industries, influence societal behaviours, and redefine consumption patterns. Through collaboration, hands-on learning, and meaningful exchanges, CREA-UP aims to build a thriving community that champions sustainable design as both a creative and economic opportunity.
Our Mission: Creativity for a Greener Future
At the core of CREA-UP lies a vision to spark meaningful change by merging creativity with sustainability. Our mission is to empower, connect, and inspire a new generation of eco-conscious designers, entrepreneurs, and makers.
- Empowering Creatives: We aim to provide cutting-edge tools, actionable resources, and step-by-step strategies that enable creatives to seamlessly integrate sustainability into their work. From upcycling techniques to sustainable business frameworks, CREA-UP equips participants to lead the green transition.
- Building Community: CREA-UP fosters an international network of creatives, businesses, and organizations to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that make sustainability the norm. We’re creating a support system where inspiration flows, partnerships thrive, and collective action takes root.
- Driving Innovation: By promoting cutting-edge upcycling techniques and pioneering sustainable business models, CREA-UP challenges traditional approaches to design and production. We focus on transforming waste into value, encouraging experimentation, and showing how sustainability can drive economic growth.
Why CREA-UP Matters: Transforming Ideas into Impact
The creative industries hold immense potential to shape sustainability narratives, influence behaviors, and champion eco-friendly practices. CREA-UP leverages this power to:
- Redefine Design Thinking: CREA-UP inspires creatives to see waste as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Through hands-on workshops and innovative practices, we challenge participants to transform discarded materials into purposeful, aesthetically striking designs that minimize environmental impact.
- Support Emerging Entrepreneurs: We offer practical tools and business strategies that help creatives embed sustainability into their enterprises. By focusing on branding, marketing, and financial models, CREA-UP ensures participants are prepared to launch and scale eco-conscious businesses.
- Foster Global Collaboration: Sustainability thrives through collaboration. CREA-UP connects designers, artists, and entrepreneurs across borders, cultivating a global network committed to sustainable innovation. Together, we amplify impact, share ideas, and create solutions for a more circular economy.
Key Activities: Learning, Creating, and Sharing
CREA-UP offers a dynamic program of activities designed to inspire and equip creatives with practical skills and strategies:
- Working Lab in Berlin (February 2025): A 10-day immersive program focused on upcycling techniques, branding, and sustainable business practices. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, collaborate on projects, and develop actionable strategies for eco-friendly design.
- Workshops and Co-Creation Sessions (Starting March 2025): Over two months, creatives will collaborate on sustainable projects, turning ideas into impactful products and solutions.
- Exhibition Series (May 2025): Showcasing upcycled designs and artworks, celebrating creativity and sustainability.
- Conference Series (June 2025): Thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders about the role of sustainable design and innovation.
Deliverables and Tools: Supporting Sustainable Growth
- The CREA-UP Platform: An online hub providing access to resources, tools, and networking opportunities. It supports collaboration and learning for sustainable growth in the creative industries.
- Sustainability Guides: A series of comprehensive guides designed to equip entrepreneurs and creatives with knowledge and strategies related to marketing, branding, and business development. These guides focus on embedding sustainability into business practices and enabling informed, ethical decision-making.
Stay Updated and Get Involved: Be Part of the Movement!
CREA-UP is more than a project—it’s a movement for creativity, sustainability, and innovation!
The journey is just beginning, and 2025 is set to be an exciting year filled with activities, workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative opportunities.
Applications for the Working Lab in Berlin will open soon! Don’t miss your chance to join us in shaping the future of sustainable design – visit our website for details creaup.org
Stay connected and never miss an update:
The Journey Continues
As CREA-UP evolves, we’ll share news, stories, and highlights from our creative community. Let’s build a greener, more innovative future—one creation at a time!
About CREA-UP
CREA-UP is a Creative Europe project led by Le Creatives de Demain, with CRU Creative Hub, EDI and Green Muse as partners.
The project aims to build a vibrant community of designers, artists, and creatives dedicated to upcycling, repurposing, and sustainable design. Through activities like the Working Lab in Berlin, co-creation workshops, and exhibition and conference series, CREA-UP seeks to provide tools, knowledge, and opportunities to empower the creative community while promoting a circular economy and sustainable consumption practices.
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.
