Following months of preparations and proposal evaluations, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) today announced the winning team set to build EIT Culture & Creativity.

The Institute’s ninth Innovation Community is designed to strengthen and transform Europe’s Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) by connecting creatives and organisations to Europe’s largest innovation network.  The new pan-European partnership can expect to split approximately EUR 300 million of EIT funding under Horizon Europe (dedicated funding for two new EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities to be launched during the 2021-2027 EU funding period) with the possibility to leverage more funds from the private and public sector.

To address these challenges, the EIT launched a Call for Proposals in October 2021 inviting applicants to submit their vision for how EIT Culture & Creativity will transform Europe’s CCSIs. The winning team, ICE – Innovation by Creative Economy consists of 50 partners from 20 countries, including Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (lead coordinator).

One of the key partners of the winning team is a Slovak non-profit organization Creative Industry Košice (CIKE). CIKE deals with the support and development of the cultural and creative industry (CCI). The organization increases the quality of life in the city of Košice, Slovakia by developing its creative potential. Its seeks out and supports talented individuals, offer educational, networking, and job opportunities, and thus contributes to sustainable urban development.

The history of CIKE begins in 2008 when the non-profit organization Košice 2013 – European Capital of Culture was founded to deliver one of the most important projects for the city of Košice and, after a successful candidacy, implement it. In September 2015, it was renamed Creative Industry Košice. The non-profit organization with a rich history in project management has taken on the agenda of developing international cooperation, professionalization programs, education, mobility, and artistic residencies.

To facilitate EIT Culture & Creativity’s establishment, the EIT will provide the winning partnership with a start-up grant of up to EUR 6 million to ensure they become fully operational as soon as possible.

Source: EIT News & Creative Industry Košice

By SLORD

June 23, 2022