1535° Creative Hub Differdange

Back from Linz with fresh ideas, strong human connections and plenty to work on for Differdange and the 1535° Creative Hub. Together with our Mayor, Guy Altmeisch, and colleagues from the City of Differdange, we explored an ecosystem that connects culture, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to the development of the city. Our programme brought us from discussions with the City of Linz’s team responsible for innovation, economy and participation to Tabakfabrik, GRAND GARAGE, the Open Innovation Center at Johannes Kepler University, CREATIVE REGION and Ars Electronica. Each offered a different perspective on how to support talent, encourage experimentation and create opportunities through collaboration. What makes this ecosystem inspiring is the connection between its parts: cultural institutions, creative businesses, research, practical spaces for making and testing, and a city administration that helps bring people together. Citizen participation is also part of this approach, giving residents opportunities to help shape the future of their city. For Differdange and 1535°, this raises questions that feel very familiar. How can we build on our industrial heritage? How can we better connect creativity with research and entrepreneurship? And how can this development strengthen both our international profile and local residents’ sense of belonging? Above all, this mission was about people. We met passionate, welcoming people who spoke openly about their experiences and who are tackling many of the same challenges we face. Those human connections are among the most valuable things we bring home. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who welcomed us and shared their time, ideas and experiences. We return inspired, with much to reflect on—and concrete work ahead to translate these exchanges into opportunities for Differdange and 1535°. Tabakfabrik Linz Ars Electronica #GRANDGARAGE Creative.Region Linz & Upper Austria JKU – LIT Open Innovation Center #1535CreativeHub #Differdange #Linz #ArsElectronica #CreativeIndustries #Innovation

🦁 C'est avec une très grande fierté que je vous présente le lion de Differdange ! Un coffret a été offert à leurs Altesses Royales le 22 juin, à l’occasion des festivités du National Feierdag, à Ville de Differdange. Il contient le blason brodé de la ville ainsi qu’un livret d’artiste par Aisha Alfama Ferreira, retraçant la démarche de cette co-création. Les photographies sont signées Luisa Maria Stagno Photography. Elle a été commandée par l’équipe du 1535° Creative Hub Differdange, sous la direction de Kristian James Horsburgh. Le lion est d'or, brodé selon les techniques de la broderie or militaire. Jaserons et cannetilles furent mes compagnons d'aventure. Je suis particulièrement honorée d'avoir pu utiliser ces techniques un peu trop discrètes. Nous avons souhaité montrer l’artisanat d’art comme un témoignage de l’excellence, de la rigueur et de la persévérance. Nos métiers sont notre quotidien, nos gestes nous habitent au fil des jours et les matières nous sont fidèles sous nos doigts. Plutôt que le refrain entre tradition et modernité, nous avons décidé de montrer les choix, les réflexions et l’exigence qu’une artisane applique dans l’aboutissement d’un objet art. Ces objets ont été totalement conçus et réalisés dans l’enceinte du 1535° Creative Hub, entre les bâtiments A et C. Nous sommes fières de produire à une échelle micro-locale. Notre pratique est individuelle mais notre écosystème est collectif. ♥️

At 1535° Creative Hub Differdange, some of the most important moments of the year are not the ones spent in meetings, workshops, or projects. Today, our community came together once again for our annual summer get-together. No agenda. No presentations. No administrative discussions. Just people sharing food, stories, ideas, and time together. Following the spirit of an auberge espagnole, everyone brings something to the table, while the grill is on and conversations flow naturally. As Director, I happily take on the role of grill master for the occasion. Creative communities are built through collaboration, but they are sustained through human connection. Taking the time to step away from our daily responsibilities and simply enjoy each other’s company helps strengthen the trust, friendships, and sense of belonging that make a place like 1535° special. A strong ecosystem is not only built through projects—it is built around a table. Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to another wonderful summer gathering. #1535CreativeHub #CreativeIndustries #CreativeEcosystem #CommunityBuilding #Collaboration #Innovation #Differdange #Luxembourg