The MEDNETA Research project, titled “Mediterranean cultural network to promote creativity in the arts, crafts and design for communities’ regeneration in historical cities” held its 2nd MEDNETA Conference on Monday, December 14. The meeting on “Cross border Cultural Dialogue to return Creativity in the Mediterranean Historical Centers: Tools and Strategies” was marked with success.

The International Scientific Meeting has the primary purpose of communicating to the target groups (private companies and commercial associations of creative activities, local authorities and local development agencies, as well as competent national authorities, specialized public and private art cultural heritage promoting institutions, universities, schools and ACDs stakeholders and young creators), final beneficiaries (designers, artists, craftsmen communities, workers and associated enterprises located in the historic urban environments of Mediterranean Basin inhabitants of MEDNETA cities, economic activities associated with the creative industries, hotel owners and tourism business, city visitors, urban economy), and the general public the results of the two years implementation of MEDNETA Project at National, Mediterranean and European level, concerning the Cross border Dialogue which has developed to return Creativity in the Mediterranean Historical Centers. Specifically, at this International Scientific Meeting (2nd MEDNETA Conference, open processes for the local stakeholders and final beneficiaries) were presented:

a. The final results of the project, focusing on the strategy for the revitalization of ACDs in each MEDNETA city.

b. Special Theme Sessions, focusing on the tools which secure the sustainability after the completion of the project:
* Presentation of the Basic Principles, Advantages and Risks of the Applied Pilot Conservation and Rehabilitation Actions to the historic MEDNETA buildings;
* Presentation of the Funding Schemes and Business Strategies for the ACD’s products;
* Presentation of specific guidelines to a wider audience how the MEDNETA Web-GIS Platform will be accessible;
* Presentation of specific guidelines to ACDs and MEDNETA Stakeholders for the operation of MEDForum;
* Presentation of specific guidelines to the local governments and/or agencies for the operation of MEDNETA Observatory;
* Assessment of the created tools by the MEDNETA Project concerning
the enhancement of cooperation, networking and synergies between
multiplier stakeholders.

c. Seminar for the promotion of entrepreneurship/ Talks with MEDNETA

Stakeholders of Athens:
* The topical issue of active and effective participation, dialogue and cooperation among many social actors (central and local government, professional associations and organizations, educational institutions, artists, designers and craftsmen etc.) for sustainable development through the return of creativity in historical cities for residents, businesses, employees, visitors and tourists.
* The experiences gained from the MEDNETA ACDs, through their involvement in the project and especially focusing on those who participated in the creation of the Pilot Design Products and the MEDNETA Exhibition (sharing ACDs’ success stories). Model examples of successfully regenerated ACDs stakeholders which have been benefited by the project actions (commercial associations of creative activities, local and national authorities, local development agencies, chambers etc).
d. Poster exhibition on “The MEDNETA Project. A story to tell” during the Athens Info Day, for the promotion of joint partnerships of cooperation of ACDs from EUMC and MPC countries.

e. A special urban event/ happening in the city centre of Athens.