EXCHANGE WITH FARMLAB

Last week, Lottozero's Lab Manager took part in a five-day staff exchange at FarmLab in Kapfenstein, Austria, as part of the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) Peer to Peer programme.

Hosted by Silvia, Martin and their family, the exchange offered an opportunity to experience first-hand how a rural creative hub operates, exploring the relationship between making, local knowledge, nature and community engagement. Throughout the week, the programme combined practical activities, discussions and shared experiences, highlighting how creative hubs can respond to the specific needs of their local contexts while remaining connected to an international network of practitioners.

The visit focused on FarmLab's textile activities and local material practices. Alongside learning about indigo dyeing and wool processing, the exchange also included the installation of a new tufting station in FarmLab's textile studio, creating new opportunities for future workshops and experimentation.

Beyond the practical work, the exchange provided valuable space for dialogue, sharing experiences and discussing different approaches to managing creative hubs. It was a pleasure to share the week with Natsuka, Angie and the DesignLabGive team, whose perspectives and conversations made the experience even richer.

At Lottozero, we strongly believe that international exchanges like these are essential for strengthening the European creative hub ecosystem. They foster meaningful collaborations, encourage the sharing of knowledge and skills, and inspire new ways of working that can be brought back to our local communities.

We would like to sincerely thank the European Creative Hubs Network for making this experience possible through the Peer to Peer programme, and FarmLab for their generous hospitality and openness throughout the week.