CLAY: a very special ceramics fair in the heart of Europe

Already one month has passed since the CLAY partners gathered in Brussels for the high-level political dissemination event of the project.

The 2-day event took place on 11th – 12th October at the Umbria Region’s (CLAY Lead Partner) office in Brussels. After almost 5 years of intense project work to boost innovation in artistic ceramics, what a better way to showcase results than organising an interregional ceramic fair?

Our partners from Umbria Region (IT), Regional Development Agency of South-West Oltenia (RO), Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (FI) the Technology Centre for Ceramics and Glass of Centro Region (PT) and the European Cluster of Ceramics from Nouvelle-Aquitaine (FR), showcased their ceramic tradition at interactive corners hosted at the meeting venue. The almost 100 participants visiting the CLAY fair enjoyed a special tour to partner regions, through the history of ceramic pieces exhibited and the expert knowledge shared by partners.

The CLAY event also included a high-level conference, with local politicians from partner regions, representatives from the European Parliament and other key institutions.

Resolvo was (of course!) there, taking part in all sessions and moderating the closing round-table entitled “CLAY territorial impact and legacy in partner regions”. This was the perfect way to celebrate almost 5 years of successful project work, with partners sharing their experience, Action Plans and CLAY’s tangible outcomes in their territories.

At the roundtable we discussed Umbria’s innovative triple-helix scheme to boost collaboration between ceramic SMEs and academia towards innovation, we heard about new funding measures developed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and South-West Oltenia and dedicated to ceramic businesses, we travelled to South Ostrobothnia where strong emphasis on creative industries (including ceramics) has been put in the newly approved Regional Programme and we entered Lufapo Hub in Centro Region, a real melting pot where artisans can work with innovators and new technologies.

Resolvo supported partners in the development of their Action Plans. Therefore, talking about outcomes and real benefits observed in the CLAY territories was particularly interesting.

The CLAY journey is now near the end. However, no time for sadness, as partners will meet one last time in Finland next February to share the very final results of local Action Plans.

Resolvo is really looking forward to this last meeting!