The Beginning of CRAB: From Shared Dreams to a European Vision for rural hubs
CRAB is not just an idea; it is born from real experiences and shared dreams. It began with a few scattered hubs—Dinamo 10 in Portugal, Espacio Arroelo, Sende, and Anceu Coliving in Galicia (Spain)—connected by the desire to create something bigger than ourselves. We have been building an informal network since 2020, bound by creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for rural life. Together, we envisioned a future where rural areas could thrive as centers of culture, innovation, and sustainability. What started as spontaneous partnerships soon became a shared mission: to connect and empower rural creative hubs across Europe.
CRAB builds upon this foundation. In collaboration with our Italian partner Giovani iddocca-Treballu, our mission is to transform a small, informal network into a formal European alliance dedicated to revitalizing rural life through creativity and resilience. By fostering connections, exchanging knowledge, and supporting local initiatives, CRAB aims to make a lasting impact on rural communities and strengthen the cultural fabric of Europe.
CRAB’s Vision and Goals for Rural Hubs
CRAB builds upon this foundation as a Creative Europe-funded project was designed to strengthen and expand the impact of rural creative hubs across the continent. It aims to provide resources, foster collaboration, and advocate for the role of creativity in rural development.
These are the Core Objectives of CRAB:
- Mapping Rural Hubs – CRAB will create a map to showcase existing rural hubs and highlight their work, fostering visibility and connectivity.
- Storytelling Through Media – CRAB will produce documentaries and content that tell the stories of these creative hubs and their impact, inspiring others to join the movement.
- Building a Movement – CRAB is more than a network; it envisions a future where rural hubs are interconnected spaces of growth and innovation. Through collaboration, advocacy, and shared learning, CRAB will continue to bridge rural traditions with contemporary creative practices.
This is just the beginning of the story. CRAB is a call to action—a reminder that rural areas are not fading away. They are evolving, reinventing themselves, and leading the way toward a sustainable and creative future.
Mapping Rural Creativity trough impact hubs
Anceu team was in charge of creating the map of European Creative rural hubs from November 2024 till January 2025. You can see the results in the format of a magazine here (CRAB MAGAZINE). Discovering these initiatives was a fascinating journey, revealing the immense potential within rural hubs. By documenting and sharing these stories, we aim to inspire others to follow similar paths, leveraging the wealth of initiatives already flourishing across Europe. This process has also strengthened our confidence and collective power, proving that we are not alone—many across the continent share the same goal of redefining rural life through creativity, sustainability, and collaboration.
Across Europe, rural areas face mounting challenges—depopulation, limited infrastructure, and economic stagnation. Yet, amidst these struggles, a new wave of creativity and resilience is emerging. Rural creative hubs are redefining what it means to live and work in the countryside, turning isolated areas into thriving centers of culture, collaboration, and sustainability.
Through this mapping initiative, we aim to provide visibility, build networks, and inspire action—proving that rural areas are not places left behind but spaces filled with potential, creativity, and opportunity.
CRAB Kick-Off in Anceu: towards the future of a rural hubs network
Tow ready to move forward, continuing to map and ample first official gathering of CRAB took place at Anceu Coliving on January 2025, marking the project’s kick-off. This event brought together key partners—including Espacio Arroelo, Dinamo10, Giovani iddocca-Treballu, and Sende—to set the foundation for our collaborative journey. Over two days, we engaged in intensive discussions, structured the project’s future, and refined our shared vision for the next 14 months.
As a direct outcome of this kick-off meeting, we have developed the design for our new website, which will serve as a hub for all CRAB-related activities and initiatives. This digital space will showcase the work of rural creative hubs, facilitate networking opportunities, and provide a platform for sharing stories, best practices, and new ideas. You can check out our initial landing page at crabspaces.com made by Sende team.
This first meeting reinforced the importance of connection and co-creation. It highlighted the power of rural hubs coming together to share knowledge, support one another, and create meaningful change. With a strong foundation laid, CRAB is nify rural creativity across Europe.
Next Steps: Strengthening CRAB’s rural hubs network in Treballu
Following the successful kick-off in Anceu, the next step in the CRAB journey will take place in Treballu, Sardinia. This gathering will be a key moment for expanding the network, connecting rural creative spaces, and refining collaborative strategies. During this event, CRAB partners and stakeholders will engage in discussions, workshops, and shared experiences to develop new narratives around rural creative hubs.
This meeting will further shape CRAB’s long-term impact by facilitating knowledge exchange, building relationships, and exploring how creative hubs can act as catalysts for sustainable rural development. Through collective brainstorming and hands-on activities, the gathering in Treballu will be an opportunity to deepen CRAB’s mission and encourage more spaces to join the movement. By fostering these collaborations, we aim to solidify the foundation of CRAB as a European-wide initiative dedicated to empowering creative rural communities.
See you in Italy
