Networks and cities' news

Lessons Learned from RECUP: How Culture Can Help Cities Rebuild Connection, Belonging and Participation

Over the last two years, the URBACT Innovation Transfer Network REinventing Culture in Urban Places (RECUP) explored how culture and creativity can help cities respond to challenges such as loneliness, social isolation, fragmented communities and declining participation. Building on Újbuda’s CUP4Creativity Good Practice, six European partners tested new approaches, developed local solutions and translated their learning into Integrated Investment Plans for future implementation.

PODCAST: Mantova (Italy): "It's about having time for yourself"

The latest episode of the Residents of the Future podcast takes listeners to Mantova, Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage city and partner in the URBACT Residents of the Future network.

Hosted by Tiago Ferreira, the episode features Caterina Salvo from the Municipality of Mantova and Iulia Puscasu, member of the URBACT Local Group (ULG) and co-founder of Bug Magazine. Together, they discuss how a city renowned for its Renaissance heritage is responding to population decline by building on its cultural identity, quality of life and community connections.

PODCAST Mangualde (PORTUGAL): "It's about people - local and newcomers."

In this week’s episode of Residents of the Future, we’re heading to Mangualde — a vibrant small city in Portugal that’s proving how community strength and smart newcomer-integration policies can shape a sustainable future.

PODCAST Saint-Quentin (FRANCE): "It's about the quality of life."

In the latest episode of the Residence of the Future podcast, Saint-Quentin in northern France emerges as a clear example of how a medium-sized industrial city can respond to long-term depopulation while maintaining – and even improving – quality of life. Through the voices of Barbara Domont, member of the URBACT Local Group, and Nicolas Gibbe from the city administration, the episode traces a trajectory from industrial decline to cautious but concrete renewal.

PODCAST: Šibenik (Croatia): “It's about the captivating power of a Mediterranean-style work-life balance”

The last episode of the Residents of the Future podcast presents the City of Šibenik, Croatia, as the lead partner of the URBACT Residents of the Future network.

Hosted by Tiago Ferreira, Lead Expert of the network, the episode features Nikolina Gracin and Ines Kulušić from the City of Šibenik’s Department for Economy. Over almost three years, they coordinated the project and led a partnership of nine European cities addressing population decline and urban shrinkage.

RECUP Final Conference in Amersfoort: Culture, Connection and Lasting Urban Impact

Amersfoort, the Netherlands | 8–9 July 2026

The URBACT network REinventing Culture in Urban Places (RECUP) reached an important milestone with its Final Conference, hosted by the City of Amersfoort on 8–9 July 2026. Bringing together partners from across Europe, the event marked the culmination of more than two years of collaboration focused on exploring how culture-led approaches can strengthen social cohesion and help cities address loneliness and social isolation. Based on the conference agenda and official meeting minutes, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the network’s achievements, share local experiences and discuss how RECUP’s legacy can continue beyond the project’s lifetime.