Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: ECHN General Assembly and Creative Skills Week 2023

In a momentous wrap-up of the year, Leigh Works proudly attended the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) General Assembly, held as a part of the inspiring Creative Skills Week hosted by Creative Europe. The experience, from October 9-11, 2023, was not only a first for Leigh Works but also a tremendous opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the dynamic world of creative hubs.

The General Assembly served as a pivotal gathering where ECHN members convened to delve into the pillar priorities and core themes that will shape the network's trajectory in the coming years. The identified priorities encompassed supporting the development and growth of creative hubs across Europe, advocating for the values of creative hubs to policymakers and stakeholders, and fostering collaboration and networking among creative hubs.

Key themes that took center stage included Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion, Digital Transformation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Work. These themes reflect the ever-evolving landscape of the creative industry and underscore the commitment of ECHN to staying at the forefront of these transformative discussions.

Post the General Assembly, the launch of the inaugural Creative Skills Week 2023 took Vienna by storm, becoming the nexus for creatives, leaders, cultural workers, educators, and change-makers alike. The week unfolded with 200 participants joining from various fields of the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS), both in person and virtually. Vienna, with its vibrant energy, became the ideal backdrop for a dynamic program that focused on learning and relearning, collaboratively crafted by each participant.

A heartfelt thank you extended to all members and participants who shared their experiences and inspired one another throughout the week. Special appreciation goes to the host institution, @dieangewandte, for generously accommodating the main feature, "Anticipating Creative Futures," and ECHN's General Assembly.

The highlights of this transformative week are already available on the photo gallery at the CSW website, captured brilliantly by Paul Pibernig. For those eager to relive the plenary sessions of "Anticipating Creative Futures," recordings are accessible on the Creative Skills Week website.

As the curtain falls on this exceptional year, ECHN expresses gratitude for the warm hospitality and collaborative spirit that made these events possible. Looking forward with anticipation, the ECHN community eagerly awaits the next gathering and the opportunity to continue shaping the future of creative skills developmeFor further details, including photos and recordings, visit Creative Skills Week. Thank you all for hosting us, and here's to the exciting adventures that await in the coming year!