'Factories of the Imagination'

Prior to the publication of 'Factories of the imagination' –book in 2001, there was a lack of meaningful studies on citizens’ cultural initiatives based in former industrial spaces, which realistically portray and observe the complexity of these experiences. In order to address that need and to give guidance to those, who may also consider using abandoned spaces and transforming them into cultural and artistic venues, Trans Europe Halles
produced 'Factories of the imagination', which presented the experiences of its centres.

The book was based on the experiences of people, who had converted former industrial sites into cultural centres. They had proved through their work that the transformation of former industrial buildings into cultural spaces is significant both for the area and its residents and for urban, cultural and artistic renewal of the local communities.

The purpose of the book was to create an educational 'tool', which gave a clearer understanding of this cultural phenomenon. It was also of value to both the public and private sectors and for everybody, who was, or was seeking to engage in projects of similar nature and share their experiences with the existing centres throughout Europe. The book was a result of the knowledge and skills found in the centres of the network. These cultural pioneers had shown through the years that their work was not marginal but had in fact resulted in professionally managed and artistically successful cultural spaces.

'Factories of the imagination' revealed the history and experiences of the centres, the problems they had faced over the years and solutions they have created to overcome the obstacles. Through the book, Trans Europe Halles aimed to encourage the emergence of new cultural spaces throughout Europe.


• Current projects
Past Projects:
• Trans Nordic
• 24 Hours
• Europex
• Youth Exchange Project (YEP)
• Phoenix Project