CircularPlace: Culture and Creative Industries, Circular Economy and Place
Project Duration
October 2020 – September 2021
Driving the circular transition through creativity and community.
Keywords
Circular economy, creative industries, community, sustainability, Baltic Sea Region
Summary
How can culture and creativity accelerate the shift toward a circular economy in the Baltic Sea Region? CircularPlace explored exactly that, demonstrating that the transition to sustainable, circular models of production and consumption requires not only policy change but also active engagement with citizens as co-creators.
What makes this project unique is its focus on the intersection of culture, creative industries, and place, showing how CCIs can connect circular practices with communities on the ground. Culture and creative sectors have both the societal reach and economic influence needed to help communities adopt circular models in meaningful, locally relevant ways.
Led by the Danish Cultural Institute with partners including Goethe-Institut, NDPC, Let’s Do It World NGO, and Pomorskie Voivodeship, the project conducted a comprehensive mapping study across BSR countries, analysing how circular economy, culture, and place-making intersect across the region. Through workshops and dialogue, it laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and piloting practical, place-based solutions.
Objectives
- Explore how CCIs can support the circular economy in communities across the BSR
- Engage citizens as active co-creators in circular practices
- Strengthen connections between CCIs, policy frameworks, and local actors
- Identify opportunities for practical pilot projects and place-based initiatives
Key Activities
- Conducted a thorough mapping study and strategic analysis across BSR countries
- Produced a State-of-Play Report exploring country-specific approaches and challenges
- Organised an online workshop with stakeholders across the BSR to foster cross-border dialogue
- Developed groundwork for policy development, pilot implementation, and local networks linking CCIs with circular initiatives
Results
- Clear insights into the status of circular economy, culture, and place-making across the BSR
- Identified pathways for engaging citizens and consumers in circular practices through culture
- Established a roadmap for enabling policies and pilot projects connecting CCIs with local circular initiatives
- Fostered collaboration between stakeholders, laying the groundwork for future cross-border projects
Read the CircularPlace project report