The CREA-UP Project began its second phase in Portugal with a vibrant and engaging two-day workshop held in Porto, Portugal, on April 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
Hosted at iconic locations such as UPTEC Baixa and VIVA Lab, the event brought together creative minds, industry professionals, and sustainability enthusiasts to further the mission of fostering innovation in cultural and creative industries.
The workshop started on April 2nd at UPTEC Baixa, a hub for creative industries, where participants were warmly welcomed over coffee. Following the check-in, João Afonso, Head of Business Development for the Arts at UPTEC, delivered an insightful presentation introducing UPTEC’s role in bridging academia and the business community through innovation and collaboration.This day was particularly significant as it marked the first time the seven project leaders met the rest of their team members.
This initial meeting provided an essential opportunity to align visions, discuss roles, and start working collaboratively toward their shared goals.
Tânia Santos, the director and co-founder of CRU Creative Hub, followed with a comprehensive overview of the CREA-UP framework and its activities in Porto. With her background in psychology and innovation management, Tânia’s insights emphasized the project’s alignment with strengthening the creative ecosystem.The day’s core activities included presentations of ongoing projects and the formation of collaborative teams. During the afternoon, these teams engaged in group work sessions focused on project development.
The day concluded with a sharing session where participants posed questions and exchanged ideas, fostering a dynamic environment of mutual learning and inspiration.
The second day shifted to VIVA Lab, one of Porto’s leading Fab Labs. The session began with an introduction to the lab’s philosophy and its application of open design principles in sustainability. Co-founder and researcher João Leão showcased VIVA Lab’s initiatives, such as the Precious Plastic project, which highlights the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources.
Participants were treated to a guided tour of VIVA Lab’s facilities and projects. The afternoon featured a hands-on prototyping workshop, allowing attendees to explore creative ideation processes and develop tangible prototypes that integrated sustainability and innovation.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking meetup at CRU Creative Hub. Arianna Moroder, co-founder of Lottozero, an international centre for textile design and innovation, presented a compelling case study on upcycling in fashion. Her insights into Lottozero’s integration of traditional textile techniques with modern sustainable practices resonated deeply with the audience.
The evening wrapped up with an informal socializing session, creating opportunities for deeper connections and collaborations among attendees.
This workshop not only set the stage for the second phase of the CREA-UP Project but also strengthened its commitment to fostering creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical engagement, the event empowered participants to contribute meaningfully to the evolving creative ecosystem.
As the project advances, its collaborative network and innovative practices promise to inspire transformative changes within the cultural and creative industries. This workshop exemplified the potential of bringing together diverse talents to tackle challenges and explore opportunities, reaffirming the significance of creativity as a driver of societal and economic growth.
