Building GatewayCrafts Together: CRU Creative Hub’s Contributions
”Ultimately, it’s about creating a more connected and collaborative creative ecosystem, overcoming physical barriers and promoting lifelong learning in this sector.”
In January 2023, the GatewayCrafts project was launched, coordinated by Barbot Bernardo/Saber Fazer, whom you've already met in previous interviews.
Now, it’s time to highlight another essential partner: CRU Creative Hub.
CRU Creative Hub is an independent creative hub located in the heart of Porto, Portugal. They catalyse creative talent, particularly in the Quarteirão Bombarda, also known as the ‘Porto’s Creative Quarter.’ Beyond offering coworking spaces, CRU acts as a vital agent for generating and transmitting valuable knowledge to entrepreneurs and freelancers within their extended community.
“At CRU, we proudly host between 35 and 40 residents, but we are part of something much bigger—a vibrant community of over 200 people! This dynamic mix of creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs brings an incredible diversity of talents and energy.”
CRU’s mission is to support freelance work in cultural and creative industries and offer an adequate environment for the growth of creative businesses through ongoing and occasional training, shared services, networking, and specialised thematic programmes.
GC: In the GatewayCrafts project, CRU Creative Hub has a significant role, particularly in creating digital content and the social media learning strategy. Can you elaborate on how CRU contributes to the project?
CRU: “CRU’s primary focus within GatewayCrafts is creating and implementing the social media learning strategy, using the knowledge and research our project partners, Materahub, have developed and shared with us. In addition, we are also responsible for communicating and disseminating the project across all its channels. We craft engaging digital content that communicates the project’s goals and activities and supports the educational component by making the online courses accessible and engaging for a wider audience.”
GC: What are some key elements of the social media learning strategy that CRU has developed for GatewayCrafts?
CRU: “The heart of our social media learning strategy lies in crafting a vibrant and compelling online presence for GatewayCrafts. We’re focused on developing interactive, multimedia-rich content that captures our target audience's attention and deeply resonates with their interests and needs. By weaving together a cohesive and engaging narrative, we strive to create an immersive experience that draws learners in, keeps them engaged, and inspires active participation in our online courses.“
“Our goal is to build a thriving, connected community around GatewayCrafts, where learners feel motivated to collaborate, share, and grow together while ensuring our content reaches them effectively across multiple social media platforms.”
GC: CRU is well-known for its role in supporting the creative community in Porto. How does your involvement in GatewayCrafts align with CRU's mission of fostering creative talent and supporting entrepreneurs?
CRU: “Being a part of GatewayCrafts is very important because it’s so much more than just a project—it’s a natural extension of what we try to do every day at CRU. Our mission has always been about nurturing creative talent and lifting freelancers and entrepreneurs from creative industries, and GatewayCrafts challenges us to do so in a specific niche of makers. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to think that we’re not just impacting our local community but also contributing to a movement that’s fueling creativity and innovation across Europe.”
“Through this project, we’re helping artisans, designers, and creative professionals to unlock new potential and develop skills that will carry them far into the future.”
GC: What challenges have you encountered in creating and implementing the social media learning strategy for GatewayCrafts?
CRU: “Creating content that’s both engaging and educational is a challenge we’ve embraced, but it’s not without its complexities. One of our biggest challenges has been ensuring that what we produce speaks to everyone—whether digital natives or people with limited digital literacy. We want our content to be inviting and accessible, no matter the user’s background. On top of that, there’s the balancing act of maintaining high-quality, polished content while keeping pace with the fast-moving world of social media, where trends shift in the blink of an eye.”
“But the challenges don’t stop there. Ensuring that our social media learning strategy aligns perfectly with the overarching goals of GatewayCrafts requires constant communication, flexibility, and a deep understanding of each partner’s unique perspective.”
“Despite these challenges, the collaborative spirit and shared passion for the project keep us motivated and focused on delivering something truly impactful.”
GC: Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for further innovation and growth in CRU’s involvement with projects like GatewayCrafts?
CRU: “What excites us is the endless potential for innovation. In the digital content creation and social media engagement world, the possibilities are expanding faster than ever, and we’re eager to push those boundaries.”
“We’re looking at how to make our social media learning strategy more dynamic and personalised. It’s about making the learning process as engaging and interactive as possible to feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation.”
CRU: “Another exciting opportunity lies in building stronger connections with other European creative hubs. We believe that strengthening these partnerships can create a more vibrant network for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Together, we can not only innovate but also create a support system that amplifies the impact of each hub, fostering a truly connected and thriving creative ecosystem.”