Exploring New Approaches to Cultural Spaces in Marseille

Between 16 and 19 April 2026, two FITT team members participated in the Trans Europe Halles (TEH) international meeting in Marseille, France. Hosted at La Friche la Belle de Mai, the event brought together cultural professionals and representatives of independent cultural centres from across Europe to exchange experiences, share good practices and explore new approaches to artistic production and community engagement.

Discovering La Friche la Belle de Mai

One of the highlights of the mobility was exploring La Friche la Belle de Mai, a former tobacco factory transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Today, the centre hosts around 70 organisations and 400 artists and cultural professionals, providing spaces for artistic creation, experimentation and collaboration.

Our colleagues had the opportunity to visit artists' studios, exhibition areas and performance spaces, discovering how La Friche supports creative professionals beyond organising cultural events.

A particularly interesting example was the "Résidences Méditerranée" programme, which promotes artistic mobility and cooperation between Mediterranean countries by offering artists opportunities to develop their projects and connect with international cultural networks.

Learning and Exchanging Experiences

Throughout the four-day meeting, our colleagues participated in workshops, presentations, discussions and networking activities alongside cultural professionals from different European countries.

The activities focused on supporting artists, engaging local communities, developing sustainable cultural spaces and strengthening international cooperation.

The programme also included cultural and social activities, offering opportunities to experience the creative atmosphere of La Friche and establish new professional connections.

Bringing Inspiration Back to Timișoara

For FITT, this mobility was a valuable opportunity to discover practices that could inspire the continued development of Youth House Timișoara.

The experience highlighted how cultural centres can become more than event venues, functioning as permanent spaces for creativity, collaboration and community development.

Our colleagues returned from Marseille with fresh ideas, valuable connections and new perspectives on how to support creative communities and strengthen international cooperation.

Through experiences like this, FITT continues to explore innovative approaches to making Youth House Timișoara an open, dynamic and inclusive space for young people and the wider community.

Mobility funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.