HighlIght the EuropeaN heriTagE thRough sustAinblE CreativiTy and cIrcular ecONomy

The INTERACTION project was initiated to respond to the need for eco-transformation in the creative sector and to embed sustainability and innovation into vocational and artistic education. Prior to the project, creative professionals and VET providers lacked structured opportunities to develop green, entrepreneurial, and digital competences, despite their crucial role in driving change. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the sector’s vulnerability and the absence of sustainable models for artistic creation and employment. Partners recognised that European culture and heritage could act as a vehicle for transformation, linking traditional creativity with modern, environmentally responsible practices. The project therefore aimed to fill a clear gap in vocational creative education, providing frameworks and tools to strengthen green skills, promote circular economy thinking, and enhance employability. Through cooperation and education, INTERACTION sought to build a bridge between cultural heritage, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that the creative industry evolves in harmony with Europe’s green growth goals.

The project aimed to promote the eco-transformation of the creative sector by integrating sustainability, circular economy principles, and innovation into vocational and artistic education. Its main goal was to empower creative professionals, educators, and trainees with the knowledge, skills, and competences needed to apply environmentally responsible and entrepreneurial practices in their work. INTERACTION sought to create a bridge between European cultural heritage and modern green creativity, positioning art and design as catalysts for sustainable change. Through research, training, and digital tools, the project aimed to develop new learning models, encourage collaboration across sectors, and strengthen the role of creative industries in the green transition. By the end of the project, the consortium aimed to deliver a competence framework, e-learning platform, creative Ateliers, and practical resources that would foster innovation, inclusiveness, and long-term sustainability in the creative labour market.

The project followed a structured sequence of research, development, testing, and dissemination activities aimed at fostering sustainable innovation in the creative sector. It began with academic, empirical research, including focus groups, round tables, and art cafés with creative professionals, educators, and stakeholders to assess needs and identify the competences required for eco-entrepreneurial growth. These findings guided the design of all project results. Partners then collaborated on the design and development of outputs, such as the e-learning platform, competence framework, entrepreneurial educational canvas, and creative Ateliers. Each product was implemented, tested, and evaluated through pilot sessions that engaged target groups to ensure quality, inclusiveness, and practical relevance. To enhance the project’s long-term impact, each organisation worked on developing its own internal strategy for embedding the project’s outcomes into institutional practice and ensuring the continuation of activities after completion. Widespread dissemination actions—including local exhibitions, art events, workshops, and online campaigns—helped promote visibility and encourage broader adoption of the project’s practices.

The project delivered a complete set of tangible and high-impact results. The Educational Entrepreneurial Canvas provided an innovative framework linking sustainable creativity with circular-economy principles and guiding learners in developing green business ideas. The VET Framework of Key Competences defined the essential skills and knowledge required for professionals and trainees to apply eco-entrepreneurial innovation in the creative sector. An interactive e-learning platform was created to host training content, creative tasks, and peer-learning activities, offering open access for lifelong learning. The short film on art, sustainability, and European culture-heritage visually promoted the project’s educational and cultural message. To ensure visibility and community engagement, the consortium organised six promotional campaigns, five asynchronous seminars, and five artistic evenings. The project concluded with four multiplier events and one international conference, presenting all outcomes and ensuring their sustainability and transferability.