Unlocking the Power
of Rural CCIs

The Intersection of Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

An international symposium in Reykjavík, Iceland, Friday 30 May 2025, titled Unlocking the Power of Rural CCIs: The Intersection of Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, is organised by the Creative Industries Research Centre in Iceland in collaboration with the Horizon Europe-funded research project "IN SITU: Place-based Innovation of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-urban Areas" (Grant Agreement no. 101061747) as well as The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. 

The symposium will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and creatives to explore the untapped potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in non-urban areas across the EU.

This event will focus on how CCIs in rural regions drive innovation, sustainability, and regeneration, highlighting the unique opportunities for growth and vibrancy outside urban centres, and how creative actors can play key roles in fostering lively, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Join us for this exciting exploration of how cultural and creative industries can shape the future of European non-urban regions.

This is an open call for abstracts in the following sessions:

  1. The Geography of Creativity: How Place Shapes Cultural and Creative Innovation
    Exploring the role of local identity, heritage, and community in fostering innovation in the cultural and creative industries.

  2. Entrepreneurship in the Rural Creative Economy: Turning Ideas into Impact
    A dive into the entrepreneurial mindset and strategies driving success in cultural and creative ventures.

  3. Social Enterprises in Action: Building Resilient Creative Ecosystems
    Examining how social enterprises within the creative industries contribute to sustainability, equity, and community development.

  4. Policy and Gender: Shaping Inclusive Futures within the Culture and Creative Industries
    Looking at the intersection of policymaking and gender equity, and exploring how gender-sensitive policies can drive innovation and inclusion. 

  5. Regenerative Heritage Futures: Rethinking Preservation, Innovation, and Tourism
    Exploring how creative industries and local communities can work together to preserve heritage and actively restore and enhance cultural and natural environments, and the role of regenerative tourism in shaping sustainable futures for cultural heritage.

Abstracts should be submitted in English.

Deadline for proposals: Monday 24 March 2025 (midnight GMT)

Submit your paper

OPEN CALL - Unlocking the Power of Rural CCIs: The Intersection of Culture, Creativity and Entrepreneurship