This 19th century industrial complex served as a spinning mill in the municipality of Sant Andreu del Palomar, which is now part of Barcelona. The factory prospered for many years, but closed in 1970. Since 2009, however, Fabra i Coats has been producing products again – this time not textiles, but art.

Today, the former factory is undergoing gradual renovation and serves as a haven for Barcelona artists. Short and feature films by young filmmakers, commercials and advertising sports, and photo essays by Catalan companies and institutions have been produced in the Fabra i Coats premises. Cultural activities for the public also take place in the premises.

What connects the well-known Nokia company with creative creators? The largest factory in Helsinki. Completed in 1943, it was first used for the production of rubber and submarine cables, among other things for the famous Nokia. In the following years, computer science developed on the premises and Finland’s first supercomputer found its place here. The production history of the Helsinki site ended in the 1980s. After that, the Cable Factory gradually turned into a home for artists of all kinds. Today, more than 600 creators work every day in the country’s largest cultural center. Other Helsinki residents also flock to the former factory buildings, using their free time to visit the museum, gallery, sports center, restaurants, bars, and sauna. In addition, the Cable Factory is currently being expanded to include a dance house.

The successful candidacy for the European Capital of Culture has prompted the creation of a non-profit organization that supports creators in eastern Slovakia. CIKE, or Creative industry Košice, is responsible for the promotion and development of culture and creative industries. The organization was founded in 2008 and gradually aims to improve the quality of life in Košice through the development of the city’s creative potential. CIKE seeks out and supports talented people and provides educational, networking, and employment opportunities. CIKE’s programs focus on the professionalization of people working in the cultural and creative industries or on inter-sectoral inter-city and inter-state cooperation.