The activities of the European CAROUSEL project were successfully concluded in Chalki from 8 to 10 June, the activities of the European CAROUSEL project, which culminated in the organisation of the Pop Circularity Festival, an open celebration dedicated to the circular economy, creative reuse and the active participation of the local community.
The festival provided a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience first-hand the principles and practices of reuse through the operation of the Circular Hub and the Pop-Up Shop, as well as through hands-on activities, workshops and co-creation initiatives.
On the first day of the events, creators and artists from Chalki, Kos (Greece), Patras (Greece), Slovenia, Serbia and Italy presented their work and shared their experiences, highlighting how materials often considered waste can acquire new value through creativity, innovation and craftsmanship.
The second day was devoted to collaboration and participation. Through interactive workshops on fabric recycling, the creative reuse of materials, the production of natural products and craft-making, participants – both from the project’s partner countries (Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Serbia) and the local community, had the opportunity to experiment, exchange ideas and experience the principles of the circular economy in practice.
A highlight of the festival was the completion and presentation of the collaborative artwork “Building the Bench”, a bench created from reused building materials and recycled glass from Chalki. The project, the result of collaboration between artists, residents, visitors, pupils and programme partners, is now a permanent landmark for the island and a living symbol of creativity, collaboration and sustainable development.
The contribution of the Chalki school community was also particularly significant; it played an active role in the co-creation activities, confirming that the transition towards a more sustainable future depends on education, raising awareness and the active participation of young people.
Through the CAROUSEL project, the Municipality of Chalki continues to invest in innovative practices that strengthen the local economy, showcase creativity and promote a development model based on the reuse of resources, collaboration and social cohesion.
The Pop Circularity Festival has demonstrated in practice that the circular economy is not just about materials and their management. It is, first and foremost, about people, ideas and the ability of local communities to turn challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Municipality of Chalki would like to express its warmest thanks to all the creators, the partners of the CAROUSEL project, the volunteers, the students, the residents and the visitors who contributed to the success of the activities and demonstrated that sustainability can be everyone’s business.
The CAROUSEL project is being implemented under the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme 2021–2027 and is co-funded by the European Union.