A Meeting in a Transforming Urban Space
The first day took place at the TUP factory, a former carbon graphite and electrical contact products plant located in the Gruž district. Once employing around 700 workers, the site has been gradually transformed after production ceased between 2015 and 2021.
Today, TUP hosts a variety of functions, including community spaces, creative organisations, a co-working hub, and public services. The meeting highlighted the approach taken by the city: the space is being actively used by the community even before full renovation is completed, allowing an organically evolving cultural district to take shape.
Focus on the Final Phase of RECUP
During the opening session, partners were reminded that the project is now in its final stage. The remaining period will focus on finalising Integrated Investment Plans, strengthening long-term sustainability, and preparing the final deliverables.
A key session of the meeting, the IIP Quality Check Lab, provided a structured framework for partners to assess their plans. Participants worked on specific actions, analysing their scalability, financial and organisational sustainability, and integrated approach, including stakeholder involvement.
The session included group work, presentations, and feedback, allowing partners to refine their actions and learn from each other’s approaches.
Exploring Culture-Led Urban Regeneration
The programme also included a Cultural Regeneration Lab, which focused on the role of culture as a driver of urban transformation. The session examined how cultural initiatives can contribute to positive change, how communities are engaged, and how local authorities can support these processes.
Discussions addressed key questions such as community engagement, local values, and the role of different stakeholders in shaping cities. Case studies were also presented to illustrate different approaches to culture-led regeneration.
Study Visits: Learning from Local Practices
Participants had the opportunity to explore several initiatives during study visits. At the TUP factory, they visited organisations such as the Kolarin Theatre Company, Maritimo Recycling, and the Red History Museum.
These visits demonstrated the diversity of activities operating within the site, from cultural production to environmental initiatives and heritage interpretation. The mix of uses illustrates how a former industrial site can be transformed into a multi-functional cultural environment.
On the second day, participants also visited key locations in Dubrovnik, including the City Walls, Lazareti, and the House of Marin Držić. These visits highlighted how cultural heritage sites are used and managed within the city.
Strengthening Communication and Presentation Skills
Another important component of the meeting was the focus on communication. A workshop on public speaking introduced tools for presenting IIPs effectively, including structure, storytelling techniques, and the use of data.
Participants practised presenting their ideas and received feedback, helping them prepare for future presentations. In addition, a Communication Lab session supported partners in developing materials for upcoming dissemination activities and the final event.
Next Steps
The meeting concluded with a final refinement session and a summary of next steps. These include conducting partner interviews, organising an online meeting to prepare for the final event, and completing the remaining work on Integrated Investment Plans.
With one final in-person meeting ahead in Amersfoort, the Dubrovnik event provided an important opportunity for partners to consolidate their work and prepare for the final stage of the RECUP project.
