YouRban Launches Open Calls for Artists and Designers to Reimagine Circular Cities

Artists, designers, and creative thinkers can apply to develop innovative ways of recycling and upcycling reinforced polymers in Milan or Barcelona, with funding, mentorship, and support provided to bring their ideas to life.

The EU-funded YouRban Project is announcing the launch of two Open Calls aimed at fostering creative and community-driven approaches to circularity in urban environments. These calls invite participation from artists, designers, citizens, and fab labs to co-develop inclusive and sustainable solutions in the cities of Milan and Barcelona.

The YouRban Project explores innovative ways to recycle and upcycle reinforced polymers in urban settings. Through these Open Calls, the project seeks to activate local ecosystems and support creative experimentation that aligns with circular economy principles.

Open Call 1: Artists, Citizens & Designers

This call invites artists, designers, and citizens to propose participatory approach with site-specific interventions in Milan and open-ended framework in Barcelona. Applicants are encouraged to explore new narratives and practices around material reuse, community engagement, and urban sustainability.

Open Call 2: Urban Factories

This call is directed at Urban Factories—local production spaces, makerspaces, or circular economy hubs—that can host and support the selected artists and designers during their residencies. These factories will play a key role in enabling material experimentation and community interaction.

Selected applicants will receive a grant of up €17,500 per project for Open Call 1, along with access to local networks, production facilities, and mentoring. Participating factories will receive financial support of €80,000 and visibility within a European innovation ecosystem focused on sustainable urban transformation. 

Application Details

  • Deadline for Submissions: 30 July 2025, 17:00 CEST
  • Apply through YouRban Kartu platform: Full guidelines and application forms are available at
    www.yourban-europe.eu/open-calls