What is the P2P Learning Program?

The P2P (Peer-to-Peer) Learning Program offers creative hub managers across Europe the opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore new ways of working together. By connecting hubs from different countries, the program encourages peer learning, collaboration, and the development of new ideas.

Through these exchanges, hub managers can:

• Develop collaborative projects and co-creation initiatives
• Explore new approaches to cross-sectoral cooperation
• Exchange knowledge, skills, and best practices with fellow hub managers
• Discover new methods and ideas to strengthen their hubs and the communities they serve

Whether you are looking to learn from another hub’s experience, explore a shared challenge, or lay the groundwork for a future collaboration, P2P Learning is an opportunity to connect with peers and turn shared interests into new possibilities.

How the Exchange Works

Each exchange brings together two creative hubs from different countries, with each taking on a specific role:

Visiting Hub →Visits another hub to exchange knowledge and practices, learn from its experience, and explore ideas for future collaboration.

Hosting Hub → Welcomes the visiting hub, shares its experience and expertise, and organises a final public event to present the exchange’s outcomes to the local community.

Together, the two hubs develop a work plan tailored to their interests, needs, and shared objectives.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

• Managers of both emerging and established creative hubs
• Applicants must represent a hub that is a regular or associate member of the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN)

What Support is Available?

The program provides financial support to both participating hubs.

Visiting Hub: Up to €1,175 for travel and accommodation (up to €350 grant per participant to cover travel expenses and €165 for subsistence for up to 5 days)

Hosting Hub: €500 grant to produce a final event

Additional Benefits:

• Match-making support to help you find the right hub partner
• Visibility and promotion of your exchange through ECHN’s communication channels

Get Inspired by Previous Exchanges

During the 2025–2026 cycle, the program supported 9 exchanges, bringing together 18 creative hubs from 12 European countries. Each exchange offered a different opportunity to share knowledge, explore new approaches, and develop ideas for future collaboration.

Discover some stories from previous exchanges:

• Katapult Subtopia (Sweden) × Moktamee (Belgium): Explored how creative hubs could strengthen communities, contribute to urban development, and build connections between culture and local authorities.
• The Lissome (Germany) × Barbot Bernardo / Saber Fazer (Portugal): Brought together storytelling, design, craft, and agroecology to explore sustainable practices, organisational development, and opportunities for future editorial collaborations.
• CRU Creative Hub (Portugal) × Culture Hub Croatia (Croatia) : Exchanged approaches to creative ecosystems, cultural programming, governance, and organisational sustainability, while laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

Explore all the experience stories and reflections from previous Peer-to-Peer Learning exchanges here.

Application Process

1. Find your match

Start by exploring the ECHN Network Map to discover potential partner hubs. You can filter your search by country, sector, services, and facilities. Make sure to tick the “available for mobility programs” box to identify hubs interested in participating.

Once you have found a potential partner, contact them directly to discuss your ideas and confirm their interest and availability.

Need help finding the right match? Get in touch with us at pepe@creativehubs.net and natassa@creativehubs.net, and we’ll be happy to support you.

2. Complete the application form

The application form must be completed by the Visiting Hub on behalf of both participating hubs.

3. Confirm your exchange

Once your application has been approved, both the Visiting and Hosting Hubs will sign an agreement and submit a preliminary Work Plan outlining the main objectives and every day activities before the exchange takes place.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of program funding and the assessment of the proposed exchange. We normally approve up to 10 exchanges in each cycle.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Complementarity: How well the two hubs’ profiles, expertise, and interests complement each other
• Quality of the proposed program: The relevance and coherence of the planned activities and objectives
• Quality of expected outputs: The potential outcomes of the exchange and their value for the participating hubs and their communities

All exchanges must take place between hubs based in different countries.

Please note that ECHN reserves the right to decline applications that do not meet the program requirements.

Why Take Part?

The P2P Learning Program is an opportunity to step outside your usual working environment, learn from your peers, and explore new possibilities for your hub.

By participating, you can:

• Discover new practices and perspectives
• Exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow hub managers
• Build lasting connections and future collaborations
• Bring fresh ideas back to your hub and community
• Share your experience through the ECHN network

Ready to connect, learn, and exchange? Find your partner hub and take the next step towards a new collaboration!

Click here to apply