NEB ambition
The ultimate ambition of the New European Bauhaus is to achieve transformation. To do this, the NEB Compass has identified specific levels of ambition that outline the desired outcomes for each of the NEB values.
Frequently Asked Questions about CrAFt and its Core Group of Students
CrAFt – Creating Actionable Futures is a three-year project (2022-2025) financed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme.
What is CrAFt?
CrAFt – Creating Actionable Futures is a three-year project (2022-2025) financed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. The project is a bridge between the EU Mission Board on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and the New European Bauhaus.
The project supports cities to not only become climate-neutral, but —in the spirit of the New European Bauhaus— also inclusive, beautiful and sustainable at the same time. To achieve this, we are bringing together key stakeholders such as policy makers, local and regional authorities and city developers with property owners and tenants, the cultural and creative sectors and higher arts education institutions to jointly shape the transition to climate neutrality.
CrAFt’s three Sandbox Cities —Amsterdam, Bologna and Prague— and 70+ additional CrAFt Cities and city clusters will engage in testing local collaborative governance models and sharing knowledge among them to achieve the ambitious goal to become climate-neutral by 2030.
Keywords: Beautiful, inclusive, sustainable, city transitions, change-making, participatory and collaborative models.
What is the Core Group of Students?
The Core Group is a driving-force of up to ten international, multidisciplinary students based in Amsterdam, Bologna, Prague and Trondheim. This group is responsible for creating tools and opportunities for exchange and change-making. Across Europe, they are the link between student communities and CrAFt stakeholders, such as project partners, universities and city representatives.
They meet online on a weekly basis, and occasionally also in person. They self-organise their work and collaboration processes. They are supported by two coaches, and encouraged to experiment with different design and co-creation processes.
As the Core Group’s is an integrated part of the CrAFt project, its thematic focus overlaps with the project’s. It includes:
- Exploring how to achieve tangible ‘green’ practices within the city space, such as sustainable infrastructure; and
- Looking at societal and political consciousness, as well as arts and culture, as essential aspects in the transition towards climate-neutral and inclusive cities.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary, international, student-driven, reference group, connector, leading force in student engagement.
How is the CrAFt Core Group composed?
The CrAFt project partners select a group of (up to) ten Bachelors, Masters, or pre-Masters students to be part of the Core Group through an open call. Participation in the Group is for a minimum of 6 months, and a maximum of 2 years, therefore there will be multiple open calls during the project (2022-2025).
Students from the following institutions are eligible:
- In Amsterdam: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences – AUAS, Amsterdam University of the Arts – AHK, Gerrit Rietveld Academie
- In Bologna: University of Bologna – UNIBO
- In Prague: Czech Technical University in Prague – CVUT, Academy of Fine Arts in Prague – AVU, Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague – UMPRUM, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague – HAMU, Charles University
- In Trondheim: Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU
What have previous Core Groups of Students done in the past?
The Core Group of students organised an interdisciplinary student event called CrAFt Your Urban Experience. It was held on the 9th of May 2023 in Évora, Portugal, at the School of the Arts of the University of Évora. CrAFt Your Urban Experience was a 1-day event exploring how to improve the city’s sensory experience and livability.
Connecting public space to broader questions around climate neutrality, inclusivity and cultural heritage, participants used the city of Évora as a playground and test case. Exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration was central, as the event involved over 40 participants, 6 mentors, and 5 local and regional stakeholders (including the Mayor of Évora).
The Core Group of Students also participated in the project’s event CrAFting Cities Together in Bologna. They contributed to brainstorms and interactive exercises in collaboration with project partners and city stakeholders. They also presented their ongoing work on creating tools, models, and opportunities for student engagement across the project.
Where can I find more information about the Core Group?
The basic governance structure and management plan for student engagement in the CrAFt project, including for the Core Group of students, can be found in two documents:
I have more questions, who can I contact?
If you have specific inquiries or would like additional information not included in the FAQ feel free to contact the CrAFt team: contact@craft-cities.eu, or the Core Group coach: irene.garofalo@elia-artschools.org