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!
