Introduction
As the NEW INHERIT project enters its next phase in 2025, its vision continues to reshape how we approach cultural heritage. Building on the momentum of its early successes, NEW INHERIT demonstrates that historical sites are not just relics of the past. These spaces have the potential to transform into dynamic centers of cultural exchange, innovation, and economic revitalization, contributing to a sustainable future for Europe's heritage.
From vision to reality: Cultural space activation in action
The heart of NEW INHERIT centers on adaptive reuse, transforming forgotten or underutilized heritage spaces into dynamic hubs of cultural activity. Over the past year, the project has successfully launched Agora Cultural Labs (ACL), bringing artists, entrepreneurs, and local communities together to rethink urban spaces. These labs have served as experimental grounds where co-creation and cultural entrepreneurship flourish, breathing new life into historical sites.
One of the standout initiatives has been the Cultural Space Activation program, which encourages local engagement in heritage preservation and adaptive reuse. The program has demonstrated how creative industries and urban regeneration efforts can intersect to create sustainable models of community-driven heritage conservation.
Empowering the next generation of cultural leaders
A key aspect of the project has been its investment in cultural and social entrepreneurship. Over 60 young professionals (including architects, urban planners, and artists) have participated in intensive training programs that equip them with the necessary skills to lead urban regeneration initiatives. This training includes modules on digital entrepreneurship, green skills, and design thinking, ensuring that Europe’s cultural heritage is preserved innovatively and sustainably.
NEW INHERIT has also introduced the Cultural Experience Creator, a digital platform designed to map and promote best practices in heritage reuse. This interactive tool allows users to explore success stories, participate in forums, and collaborate on new projects, expanding the project's reach beyond its initial pilot sites.
A collaborative European effort
The project has achieved remarkable milestones across its partner countries, including Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Each country has contributed unique perspectives and case studies that enrich the overall approach to cultural heritage management. For example:
- Germany has led initiatives in cooperative models for adaptive reuse, reducing financial risks for individuals while fostering community ownership.
- Belgium has tackled the challenges of reusing church spaces and other historically significant buildings through innovative, community-driven solutions.
- Spain has focused on repurposing industrial heritage sites, integrating them into the urban landscape to serve modern needs.
- Italy has experimented with new governance models that balance public and private sector involvement in cultural preservation.
- Bulgaria has provided critical insight into how cultural heritage can support social and economic resilience in post-socialist urban contexts.
- Cyprus has engaged two young creatives in transforming cultural spaces through artistic interventions and digital storytelling: Omodos Community Council and the Ktima Gerolemo Winery.
Looking ahead: Sustainability and expansion.
With the establishment of 12 pilot heritage venues and the ongoing success of ACL, the focus now shifts towards sustaining these efforts and expanding their impact. NEW INHERIT aims to introduce policy recommendations for European institutions, advocating for broader support for cultural entrepreneurship and the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
Moreover, the upcoming Agora Cultural Labs Metaverse will take the project into the digital realm, allowing for virtual collaboration and expanding the accessibility of cultural innovation efforts. By leveraging technology, NEW INHERIT continues to connect the past with the future, ensuring that Europe’s cultural heritage remains both relevant and impactful.
Join the Movement!
NEW INHERIT isn’t just a project—it’s a movement you can join. Stay connected to the journey by following updates, events, and opportunities for involvement via newsletters, the website newinherit.eu, and public events.
This initiative is all about making culture more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations. Whether it’s young people reimagining old buildings or communities coming together to celebrate their shared heritage, NEW INHERIT ensures that culture remains a dynamic and powerful force in shaping Europe’s future.