The second Interregional Meeting of the Interreg Europe PROSPERO project took place on 30 September and 1 October in Middelfart, Denmark. Hosted by Middelfart Municipality, the two-day event combined strategic dialogue with immersive experiences, highlighting how cultural and creative industries (CCIs) can drive sustainable growth, community engagement and resilience across European regions.
Exploring Middelfart’s Creative and Cultural Landscape
The meeting opened at Middelfart City Hall, where the Mayor of Middelfart and a City Councillor from Mentana, PROSPERO’s Lead Partner, welcomed participants. The introduction was followed by an overview of Middelfart’s cultural and creative scene, strategic development projects, as well as a thought-provoking presentation on rethinking tourism and authentic experiences, setting the scene for two days of learning and exchange.
Throughout the visit, participants explored key highlights of Middelfart’s creative and cultural development, from its historic Old Harbour and CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art to the Middelfart Marina and the iconic Bridgewalking experience. Through site visits, workshops and discussions with local stakeholders such as those at KulturØen and Traaden, partners gained insights into how the city is transforming cultural heritage, maritime traditions and design into a dynamic and inclusive development strategy.
From Local Inspiration to European Cooperation
In dedicated sessions, PROSPERO partners presented their territorial analyses, sharing insights into governance, CCI ecosystems, success stories and long-term visions. Drawing on their own experiences and expertise, they also provided valuable feedback to Middelfart on opportunities for further cultural and tourism development, reinforcing the collaborative and peer-learning spirit of the project.
Laying the Groundwork for Policy Improvement
The meeting concluded with partner presentations on their policy instruments, outlining objectives, priorities, and expected improvements in CCI-related policy across their territories. These exchanges reaffirmed PROSPERO’s mission: to place culture and creativity at the centre of regional policy, linking cultural vitality with inclusion, innovation and sustainability.
By combining local immersion with interregional collaboration, the Middelfart meeting showcased how CCIs can strengthen communities and contribute to a more creative, connected and resilient Europe.
The participation of the South Transdanubia Regional Innovation Agency in the PROSPERO Interreg Europe project is co-financed by the European Union and Hungary.
