Project info

PROJECT TITLE:

SOCRAT – SOcializing CRaft & Contemporary Art for Sustainable Tourism u SOCRAT - SOcializing CRaft & contemporary Art for sustainable Tourism

PROGRAM:

Italy–Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027

TOTAL PROJECT VALUE:

EUR 2,344,660.20

CO-FINANCING RATE:

80% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Italy–Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD:

01/03/2024 – 31/08/2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The SOCRAT project aims to promote sustainable tourism development and strengthen communities along the Italian and Croatian Adriatic coasts by mobilising tourism flows based on contemporary art, craftsmanship, cultural and creative industries, and civil society engagement. The project seeks to address shared territorial challenges such as overreliance on seasonal tourism flows, insufficient cooperation between artists and local authorities, and the need to enhance the authenticity of tourism offerings.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

The overall objective of the project is to diversify tourism flows and enhance local development by activating and developing more authentic experiences rooted in the creativity of the territory. The project proposes a socially grounded model implemented through Creative Laboratories, bringing together local industries, artists, and civil society to co-create new tourism products and services that promote cultural heritage, foster creativity, and generate economic opportunities for local communities.

LEAD PARTNER:

Pino Pascali Foundation – Museum of Contemporary Art

The SOCRAT project (Networking Craft and Contemporary Art for Sustainable Tourism), co-financed under the Interreg V-A Italy–Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, promotes new forms of sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism based on community participation, local identity, and creative collaboration.

Within this framework, the project plays a key role in activating and testing the SOCRAT cooperation model – an integrated approach that connects contemporary art, traditional crafts, and civil society in the joint creation of tourism experiences rooted in local heritage and creativity.

These pilot activities are implemented through the so-called Creative Laboratories (CLLs – Creative Living Labs) – comprehensive, temporary laboratories where selected artists/mentors, artisans, and representatives of civil society come together to collaboratively develop innovative cultural tourism products and services.

Pino Pascali foundation

Lead Partner: Pino Pascali Foundation – Museum of Contemporary Art (Italy)

The Pino Pascali Foundation – Museum of Contemporary Art (Italy) is the lead partner of the SOCRAT project. It is a distinguished cultural institution based in Polignano a Mare (Apulia), dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the artist Pino Pascali and contemporary art. Through exhibitions, awards, and educational programs, it operates as an important center of contemporary art in Italy.

Within the SOCRAT project, it plays a coordinating role, connecting contemporary art, traditional crafts, and sustainable tourism across Italy and Croatia.

CNA Bari

CNA Bari – National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises (Italy) is an Italian organization that represents and supports craftspeople, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the creative and cultural industries in the Bari region.

As a project partner in the SOCRAT project, it participates in activities that foster collaboration between artists, craftspeople, and local communities through participatory processes and creative “Creative Living Labs,” with the aim of developing sustainable tourism products and strengthening local development along the Adriatic coast.

Veneto Region

The Veneto Region – Department for Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities and Sport (Italy) is a regional administrative unit within the Veneto Region responsible for promoting and supporting cultural heritage, cultural activities, and sports initiatives across the region.

As a project partner in the SOCRAT project, it contributes to fostering the integration of cultural heritage and creative practices into the development of sustainable tourism, particularly through activities such as Creative Living Labs that connect contemporary art, traditional crafts, and local communities.

Its role includes coordinating the region’s cultural and social resources and contributing to joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the cultural offer and strengthening local development in a cross-border context.

Veneto institute for labour

Istituto Veneto per il Lavoro (Italy) is an Italian organization with a long-standing tradition in the fields of employment and education, focused on supporting skills development, career guidance, and strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises through training programs, educational initiatives, and labor market support.

As a project partner in the SOCRAT project, it contributes to connecting local communities, creative and cultural stakeholders, and craftspeople through joint initiatives and activities that promote sustainable tourism development and enhance creative and professional competencies within the Veneto region and beyond.

Region of Istria

Istria County (Croatia) participates as a project partner in the SOCRAT project (Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027).

Through activities focused on connecting contemporary art, traditional crafts, and local communities, it contributes to the development of sustainable and cultural tourism along the Croatian Adriatic coast.

Within the project, it implements Creative Living Labs, takes part in the preparation of strategic and development documents, and contributes to the organization of cross-border events and exhibitions, with the aim of strengthening the cultural and creative industries in Istria.

Kvarner Region Tourist Board

Kvarner Tourist Board (Croatia) is a project partner in the SOCRAT project (Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027).

As a regional tourism organization, it contributes to the development of sustainable and cultural tourism by connecting tourism, contemporary art, and local crafts.

Through the project, it supports the creation of innovative and authentic tourism products and strengthens cooperation between the cultural and tourism sectors in the Kvarner region.

INOVAcija Zadar

INOVAcija Zadar – Institution for the Development of Competences, Innovation and Specialization of Zadar County (Croatia) is a public institution established by Zadar County that supports the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creative industries by providing training, infrastructure, and networking programs for local stakeholders.

As a project partner in the SOCRAT project, it participates in the organization of workshops and Creative Living Labs, fosters collaboration among artists, craftspeople, and local communities, and contributes to the development of sustainable tourism experiences and the strengthening of the cultural and creative sector in Zadar County.

University of Zadar

University of Zadar (Croatia) is a higher education institution participating as a project partner in the SOCRAT – Socializing Craft & Contemporary Art for Sustainable Tourism project (Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027).

Within the project, it contributes through scientific and professional support, including the organization of events such as an international conference on co-sustainable tourism, as well as participation in the development of local action plans and analyses aimed at sustainable tourism development that connects contemporary art, traditional crafts, and cultural communities.

Funding and Networking Opportunities

In today’s business environment, cultural heritage is no longer merely a guardian of the past – it is one of the most valuable resources for the future. For creative entrepreneurs, artists, and associations, the path from an idea to sustainable operations often depends on two key components: visibility beyond local boundaries and access to the right funding information.