The IN SITU project is proud to share its latest resource: a methodological guide for capacity building in Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), designed specifically for non-urban contexts. Developed by the IN SITU team at the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov” in Bulgaria, this comprehensive guide is rooted in the practical experiences of IN SITU’s Horizon Europe-funded activities and aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship within regional creative ecosystems.
Supporting Trainers, Mentors, and Innovators in the CCIs
This guide is tailored for trainers, facilitators, lecturers, mentors, coaches, and researchers working to strengthen CCIs in rural, remote, and smaller urban settings. It begins by defining the concept of capacity building, its relevance for CCIs, and key methodological approaches. Special attention is given to the unique challenges and needs of cultural operators working outside of large urban centres.
Training and Mentoring for Real-World Impact
A major focus of the guide is on training as a central method of capacity building. It explores how entrepreneurship and innovation training can be designed for CCIs in non-urban areas, incorporating adult learning principles (andragogy) and both online and interactive formats. Moreover, the guide shares hands-on tips and insights from the IN SITU project’s own training programmes.
It also provides an in-depth look at mentoring, outlining the roles of mentors and mentees, and highlighting the value of personalised support for entrepreneurial development. Again, reflections and experiences from IN SITU’s mentoring activities are integrated throughout.
A Practical Tool for Building Regional Creative Futures
Looking to the future, the Guide anticipates emerging trends in capacity-building methodologies and concludes with useful appendices—including example training outlines and curated resources for continued learning and application.
By offering a rich mix of theory, tested practices, and adaptable tools, this Methodological Guide empowers professionals across Europe to build stronger, more resilient, and innovative cultural and creative industries in non-urban regions.
For further information:
Nancy Duxbury – IN SITU Project Coordinator
Centre for Social Studies (CES) at the University of Coimbra, Portugal
Email: in-situ@ces.uc.pt
Tel: +351 239 855 570
Web: https://insituculture.eu
The “IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas” project combines research and experimental actions to advance the innovation-related practices, capacities, and potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) based in non-urban areas of the EU. The project is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Program (project no.101061747). It began on July 1, 2022, and will run for four years. The IN SITU project consortium comprises 13 Full Partners from 12 countries, consisting of 11 research institutions, a European-wide cultural network, and a national cultural foundation.
