CREAConnect: MARSEILLE HACKATHON – Improving the Well-Being of Women in Public Space

The Marseille Hackathon, organised by CREAConnect partner Friche la Belle de Mai, was part of a series of five thematic hackathons taking place across Europe within the Creative Europe-funded CREAConnect project. The three-day programme brought together international participants, creative professionals, designers, urban practitioners, and mentors to explore innovative solutions for improving women’s well-being in public spaces.

Under the theme “Improving the Well-Being of Women in Public Space,” the hackathon focused on the relationship between gender, urban environments, and social inclusion, encouraging participants to rethink how public spaces can become safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for women.

How can we create public spaces that better respond to women’s needs and experiences? What barriers prevent women from fully participating in urban life? How can creative and collaborative approaches contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and people-centred cities?

Building on CREAConnect’s approach to social innovation, co-design, and multidisciplinary collaboration, participants worked in international teams to explore these questions and develop innovative concepts addressing challenges related to women’s experiences in public spaces.

The programme combined problem definition, collaborative brainstorming, prototyping, mentoring sessions, expert consultations, and final presentations. Throughout the three days, teams received support from local and international mentors, bringing together expertise in participatory urban planning, social innovation, creative practices, community engagement, and inclusive design.

The hackathon took place at LaboFriche, a research and development space within Friche la Belle de Mai, one of Marseille’s leading cultural and creative hubs. Dedicated to experimentation and cross-sector collaboration, LaboFriche brings together diverse stakeholders to explore contemporary challenges, particularly in the fields of ecology and cultural rights.

Participants received guidance from a diverse team of mentors, designers, researchers, cultural entrepreneurs, and creative strategists, each contributing valuable expertise, fresh perspectives, and insights throughout the collaborative process.