The kick-off meeting of the Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean (ACM), a new initiative led by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), took place on 5 February 2025 on Zoom.
The Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean (ACM) aims to foster a dynamic ecosystem for cultural and creative entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean region. Building on the achievements of the CREACT4MED project, the Alliance seeks to further engage and expand the cultural and creative industries (CCI) community.
The kick-off meeting began with a welcome address by Maria Ruiz de Cossio, Senior Project Manager at EMEA. Reflecting on the significance of the Alliance, Maria underscored the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for cultural and creative industries in the region: “The Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean is a crucial step forward in strengthening the creative and cultural industries across the region. By building on the solid foundation established through CREACT4MED, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem where creativity is valued, supported, and leveraged for sustainable growth. Through this Alliance, we are not only fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, artists, and institutions but also ensuring that creativity remains at the heart of economic and social development in the Mediterranean. This is a collective effort, and together, we can drive meaningful change.”
The introduction was followed by presentations from ACM members outlining their planned cultural and creative industries (CCI) initiatives for the year. Participants then discussed overlapping initiatives, key events, and opportunities for joint actions. The final session focused on strategies to enhance the Alliance’s impact and identified the priority actions for the upcoming year.
The meeting concluded with a summary of the key takeaways and the announcement of follow-up actions.
The President of EMEA, Prof. Rym Ayadi, emphasized the significance of the Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean: “The Mediterranean, a crossroads of cultures and regions, has always been a place where creativity thrives. In these times of transformation, it is through the power of creativity and diversity that we will build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the region.
Through the Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean, led by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association, we are committed to fostering innovation, empowering local communities, bridging science and arts and providing the platform needed for collaborative solutions to thrive—ultimately ensuring that creativity becomes the cornerstone of growth and prosperity.”
The Alliance for the Creative Mediterranean (ACM) is dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and supporting existing ventures by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through these efforts, ACM aims to drive economic growth while enhancing the region’s cultural landscape. The Alliance is guided by 5 key principles:
- Empower Creativity: We pledge to unleash the creative potential of individuals and communities across the Mediterranean
- Cultivate Collaboration: We will foster collaboration and partnership among artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions, recognizing that collective action is essential for meaningful impact.
- Celebrate Diversity: We celebrate the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions that define the Mediterranean region. We commit to promoting cultural exchange, dialogue, social inclusion, and mutual respect as pillars of our alliance.
- Drive Innovation: We will promote innovation, leveraging technology, and new methodologies to catalyze growth and unlock new opportunities for creative entrepreneurs.
- Promote Planetary Well-being: We are committed to promoting human development, sustainable practices and responsible entrepreneurship, ensuring that our ventures contribute to the long-term prosperity and well-being of our communities and the natural environment.
Click here for the full Alliance Manifesto.
The Alliance is free and open to join. If you are interested in joining the Alliance or would like more information, please contact creact4med@euromed-economists.org.
