After an inspiring 10-day Working Lab in Berlin, where participants from all over Europe explored upcycling techniques, sustainable business strategies and creative entrepreneurship, CREA-UP is now entering a new phase: Local Workshops and Co-Creation in the city of Porto, Portugal.
Co-creating a sustainable future through Upcycling
Running from April to June 2025, CREA-UP aims to merge creativity with sustainability, transforming discarded materials into new opportunities. This next phase will focus on co-creation, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to develop sustainable artistic and design projects.
A collaborative approach to Upcycling
The CREA-UP initiative promotes an environment in which designers, artists, creators and entrepreneurs collaborate on sustainable projects. The co-creation phase will begin with a workshop in Porto on April 2 and 3, to be held at UPTEC Baixa, VIVA LAB and CRU Creative Hub, followed by a two-month period in which seven selected projects will serve as the basis for creative development.
Featured projects and their team leaders
Lixo Sónico (Portugal) – Sérgio aka Cachibache
A project that transforms discarded technological waste into sound sculptures, combining digital and analog experimentation.
Metamorphosis – Ephemeral Collective (França & Portugal) – Camille Moço
Focused on sustainable fashion, this initiative recycles materials to create unique garments with activist messages.
corAÇÃO (Portugal) – Matilde Rodrigues
Encouraging a new perspective on waste, this project transforms discarded materials into creative opportunities through collective experimentation.
Sculpture & Repurposing (Portugal) – Catarina Glam
A collaborative sculpture project that uses recycled materials to create geometric works of art inspired by urban environments.
Mineração Urbana (Brazil & Portugal) – Mayra Deberg
Explore the reuse of construction and demolition waste (CDW) to develop innovative design materials.
Furniture and decor for the 21st century (Portugal) – Ana Amaral
Focusing on sustainable furniture design, this project reuses wood, textiles and ceramics to create unique pieces.
Lady Lazarus (Portugal) – Marina Costa
An upcycling and sustainable jewelry project that celebrates transformation, resilience and rebirth through artistic creation.
The journey of co-creation
Participants who apply now will have the unique opportunity to actively collaborate in the realization of these 7 ideas, transforming them into final pieces. This phase is dedicated to transforming concepts into reality, preparing participants for the final CREA-UP exhibitions, where the projects can be presented and marketed.
Who can join?
- CREA-UP welcomes people who are passionate about sustainability and innovation, including:
- Designers, artists and makers with a passion for sustainability and upcycling.
- Entrepreneurs and creative professionals who apply circular economy principles.
- Students, researchers or recent graduates interested in sustainability in design.
- Anyone motivated by innovation, sustainability and collaborative creation.
Participation requires a commitment to the two-month co-creation phase, ensuring that each project is successfully developed and presented at the final exhibition.
One step towards a sustainable future
CREA-UP is more than a project; it’s a movement towards a sustainable and creative future. By integrating the principles of the circular economy with artistic expression, it offers a unique platform for transforming waste into valuable and meaningful creations.
