Open Call for Hosting Study Trips in Rural Placemaking

The Interreg Danube PlaceCRAFT project aims to develop a sustainable socio-economic model of rural placemaking, rooted in cultural heritage and tourism. The project especially focuses on multicultural villages near urban centres along the Danube, supporting the creation and revitalization of community spaces.

🌍 Calling Europe’s villages! In 2026–2027, our open call will spotlight rural settlements that stand out with inspiring good practices and innovative socio-spatial placemaking solutions. The selected villages will become European showcases, hosting international study trips where their success stories in rural development and renewal will be shared with experts, practitioners, and community leaders—positioning them as models for the future of thriving rural communities.

A. Compulsory Requirements

To be eligible, the following conditions must all be met:

1. Location: A village in a rural and/or peri-rural area in one of the following countries: SK, HU, CR, SLO, RO, SRB, BG, BIH, ME, UA, MD. The settlement should maintain meaningful connections with nearby urban areas, fostering urban-rural cooperation.

2. Multicultural Character: The community must be multicultural (inhabitants from at least two ethnic groups), demonstrating good practices of socio-cultural integration and shared living history.

3. Future-Conscious Placemaking: The initiative should show forward-looking socio-spatial development, carried out in collaboration with the local municipality or other public authorities, with special attention to intergenerational solidarity (involving both youth and elderly).

4. Stakeholder Involvement: During the study trip, it should be possible to meet key stakeholders, participants, practitioners, and local residents, to demonstrate the socio-economic and cultural use of renewed spaces. (English communication is helpful, but if it is not available, an interpreter will be needed.)

B. Thematic Priorities (choose at least 3)

• Community-Led Placemaking & Design: Projects that are created with residents, not just for them—where local people play an active role in shaping and enjoying meaningful community spaces.

• Artistic Touches on Site: Public or shared spaces that come alive through creative and artistic interventions.

• Celebrating Cultural Heritage: Projects that highlight local traditions, stories, and heritage—whether tangible or intangible—and weave them into the community’s future.

• Sustainability & Future-Readiness: Initiatives that show a clear commitment to caring for the environment, strengthening the local economy, reusing spaces in smart ways, boosting tourism, developing skills, and encouraging collaboration across sectors.

What We Offer to Hosting Communities

Selected villages will benefit from:

1. Visibility & Promotion: Dissemination of your initiative across our project and professional networks, presenting your settlement as a “living laboratory” for rural resilience.

2. Networking: Connections with national and international stakeholders – NGOs, municipalities, EU institutions, academics, and practitioners.

3. Reciprocal Site Visits: Invitations to visit PlaceCRAFT pilot areas.

4. Interdisciplinary Learning: Exchange with experts from fields such as architecture, agriculture, and social innovation.

5. Tourism & Feedback: Hosting professionals who provide on-site feedback while engaging in local tourism.

6. Community Empowerment: Strengthening local pride, ownership, and recognition of ongoing renewal efforts.

Application Information

• Planned Study Trips:

  • January/ February/ March 2026 

  • Autumn 2026

  • January 2027

• Duration: 2–3 days (depending on travel opportunities and distance)

• Submission Deadline: 1 December 2025

Before completing the form, please read the terms and conditions carefully. Only applications that meet the conditions will be considered. After submitting this form, you will receive a confirmation email of receipt. Keep the form securely for your own records.

Who can apply?

National, regional, or local public authorities, sectoral agencies, NGOs, higher education and research organizations, international organizations, EGTCs, SMEs from SK, HU, CR, SLO, RO, SRB, BG, BIH, ME, UA, and MD are welcome to participate. Educational organisations can also join, as long as the visit supports a special activity that goes beyond their everyday work and is open to the public.

Procedure: Regular applications

If you’d like to apply to host a study trip taking place between 1 January 2026 and 31 January 2027, here’s what you need to know:

• Deadline: Please submit your completed application form by December 1, 2025. Late applications cannot be considered. If your application doesn’t meet the requirements, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

• How to Apply: Send your application by email to placecraft@kek.org.hu or through the Google Form provided here.

• Confirmation: Once we receive your application, you’ll get a confirmation email.

• Selection Process: A committee of experts in architecture, design, and digital culture will review the applications. The goal is to ensure a fair balance across different disciplines and countries.

• Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be assessed based on the conditions outlined here, the quality of the proposed visit, the professional background of the proposed visitors, and the overall feasibility of the visit.

• Results: Applicants will be informed of the outcome by late January/ early February 2026. As the first trip is planned for January 2026, the first round of applicants will be informed earlier.

For interested applicants, follow this link.