Networks and cities' news

IV Quarterly Network Journal - RECUP ITN Network

The article below is based on the original work of Elisa Filippi, Lead Expert of the RECUP URBACT Network. The full article was created with the contribution of the network partners. For readers interested in the complete version and additional insights, the original publication is available on the RECUP website.

INTRODUCTION 

As the RECUP journey enters its final months, partner cities are preparing for an important transition: from experimentation to implementation. After two years of learning, adapting and testing, the focus is now on strengthening the Integrated Investment Plans and preparing them for life beyond the network’s official end in August.

This also means asking a key question: how will we know whether our cultural actions are really making a difference? The third and final RECUP Masterclass addressed this challenge by focusing on monitoring and evaluation of cultural impact, with the contribution of Michaela Saisana, Head of Unit at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, who introduced the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor. The session reminded us that measuring culture is also about understanding change, combining quantitative with qualitative evidence, and showing why culture matters for cities and communities.

In May, RECUP partners also met in Dubrovnik for the fifth Core Network Meeting. The city offered a powerful setting to reflect on cultural legacy and urban transformation, from the regeneration of the former TUP Factory to the reuse of heritage spaces such as Lazareti. During the meeting, partners reviewed their Investment Plans and worked on how to communicate their ideas more effectively through a dedicated storytelling and public speaking workshop. Indeed, to be strong a plan should not only be well designed, but also communicated, making it easy for people to understand it and support it..

If you are interested in knowing how cities can measure impact, turn cultural heritage into living creativity, and prepare strong investment plans, this Network Journal is for you.

Enjoy the reading!

RECUP ending soon: Final Dissemination Event in ÚJBUDA

On 8 July 2026, the RECUP (REinventing Culture in Urban Places) project reached an important milestone with the successful organisation of its Final Dissemination Event in Újbuda. The event brought together local stakeholders, community representatives, elected officials and project partners to reflect on the project’s achievements and discuss opportunities for sustaining and further developing the results in the future.

RECUP MASTERCLASS on Monitoring & Impact Evaluation: Measuring the Value of Culture

In April 2026, partners of the URBACT RECUP Network gathered online for a dedicated Masterclass on monitoring, evaluation and the communication of cultural impact. The session focused on helping cities better understand, measure and demonstrate the contribution of culture and creativity to urban development. 

Implementation, challenges and good practices for culture regeneration projects at the Urban Level

The following article was written by Dina Ntziora, Lead Expert of the ImperfectCity project at the Municipality of Aarhus and an Ad-hoc Expert within the URBACT programme. Drawing on her extensive experience in culture-led urban development, the text provides valuable insights into the implementation, challenges, and good practices of cultural regeneration at the urban level.
We are pleased to share and republish Dina Ntziora’s article as part of our ongoing knowledge exchange within the RECUP – REinventing Culture in Urban Places project. By presenting her work, we aim to highlight key lessons and practical approaches that can inspire cities and stakeholders engaged in culture-driven urban transformation.
 

RECUP MASTERCLASS on Loneliness: Exploring Cultural and Urban Solutions

On 23 January 2026, the URBACT RECUP Network hosted its second masterclass, focusing on the pressing issue of loneliness and how it can be addressed through culture, creativity, and integrated urban strategies. The online session brought together experts and participants from across Europe to exchange knowledge, experiences, and practical approaches.

RECUP Partners Meet in Dubrovnik for the 5th Core Network Meeting

On 13–14 May 2026, RECUP partners gathered in Dubrovnik for the project’s 5th Core Network Meeting, hosted by the Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA). The meeting marked an important moment as the project entered its final phase, with a strong focus on refining Integrated Investment Plans (IIPs) and preparing for the final event.