MAIM transforms decommissioned solar panels into high-end artworks, addressing one of Europe’s emerging sustainability challenges: photovoltaic waste. By giving these materials a second life before they enter the recycling stream, the project reduces waste while raising awareness about the hidden lifecycle of renewable energy. Through art, MAIM makes the invisible visible, turning solar waste into a tangible story about circularity.
Mensagem de Lisboa is a participatory civic media project that helps communities shape the story of their city. By working with residents, migrants, students and local organisations, it makes underrepresented neighbourhoods visible, strengthens belonging and fosters a more inclusive, democratic and human-centred Lisbon.
REDESK transforms decommissioned solar panels into premium desks and tables, giving waste from the energy transition a second life. By turning solar materials into functional furniture, the project brings circular design into everyday work environments — making sustainability visible, tangible and part of daily use.
Soil Rebirth doo is an innovation-oriented company specializing in circular economy technologies and sustainable agricultural solutions. The company develops the world’s first artificial fertile soil created from recycled industrial residues. Its patented technology, “Pressed Substitute for Natural Fertile Soil,” enables the formation of compressed Soil Bricks that transform into highly fertile loose soil upon hydration and retain fertility for at least five years
Horta Alto da Eira is a community-led transformation of a vacant urban space in Lisbon into a vibrant public garden. Built collectively by hundreds of people, it combines urban agriculture, environmental education, culture and wellbeing to bring diverse communities together. The project shows how nature and participation can regenerate urban land and strengthen local democracy.
Paper House is an artist residency and community craft space in Montenegro exploring how discarded paper can become a source of beauty and creativity. For three years, artists have transformed recycled paper and cardboard into handmade objects and sculptures through simple ecological techniques. More than 100 children and adults have joined workshops that make creative reuse accessible to all. The project shows how a small cultural space can connect sustainability, art, and community.
SHIFT CULTURE is a collaboration of European cultural networks and platforms. Together, these organisations run an eco-certification scheme and offer training and peer-to-peer learning for their community of partner organisations. They are committed to eco-responsible behaviour and seek to raise awareness on green issues through arts in society at large. SHIFT CULTURE partners are representative organisations with over 3000 member organisations based all across Europe and beyond.
Sensihemp is a regenerative textile project reviving Portugal’s hemp culture and reconnecting craft, nature and community. Through research, cultural activities and hands-on learning, traditional knowledge lost after global hemp prohibition is rediscovered through fibre preparation, natural dyeing and textile repair. Initiatives such as the Hemp Fiber Lab bring together artisans, farmers and citizens to regenerate cultural memory and inspire a new relationship with fibers, clothing and the land.
Mobinsulation offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional home insulation. It is an all-in-one kit that allows you to improve the thermal comfort of your home on your own and at a lower cost. It is a 100% organic, locally sourced, and sustainable system with wool from the Lacaune breed. The kit includes a manual and rolls of wool insulation manufactured in the Aveyron region in France, which can be used as tapestry, curtains, or rugs thanks to a universal hanging system.
Mazjumprava Cultural Quarter is a community-driven cultural space in Riga where history becomes a lived experience. Once a forgotten historic manor site, it has been transformed by a local NGO and volunteers into a vibrant place for learning, creativity, and shared heritage. Through hands-on workshops, concerts, and experiments with traditional skills, children, families, and seniors rediscover history together and turn heritage into a living part of everyday life.
