Representatives of 22 research projects from the german ‘Factor K - Research on Culture as a Factor in Rural Areas’ funding programme met in Lutherstadt Wittenberg at the end of September. Dr. Laima Gerlitz, Head of the European Project Centre at Wismar University of Applied Sciences, presented the first interim results of the LandStarK project during the meeting. In addition to formal presentations, there was also the opportunity to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas.
As a result of the meeting, the Factor K researchers will now network more closely in order to avoid overlaps within the research regions. Overall, the researchers in the various projects want to work more comprehensively.
The LandStarK project sees itself as the development of a methodological and practical lighthouse for the facilitation and revitalisation of cultural and creative activities and participation in rural areas (regions) in Germany as part of systemic change and the increasing move towards sustainable transformation. Building on scientific and transfer excellence, this lighthouse will open up new ways of thinking and acting in socio-economic ecosystems in eight participating rural areas in four federal states from March 2023 to February 2026.