The Capacity Building Workshop (CBW) in Marseille takes place from January 21 to 23 2026 and marks the next chapter of the MATCH programme, hosted by Friche la Belle de Mai – a pioneering cultural ecosystem and former tobacco factory that has become a leading European model for urban and social transformation. Following the exchanges in Nicosia, this workshop dives into the heart of Marseille’s creative landscape to explore the intersections of artistic practice, ecological redirection, and civic engagement.

The Marseille CBW focuses on Territories in Transition, inviting partners, artists, and researchers to engage with local initiatives such as the LaboFriche, the Couvent Levat, and the Mucem’s Migration Garden. Through a series of site visits and panels, featuring experts from the “Marseille 2030 Climate Objective” and local collectives, participants will examine how cultural venues can lead the way in environmental responsibility and urban resilience.

A central highlight is the dialogue between residents and practitioners and a preview of upcoming artistic projects at La Friche. By bridging Mediterranean perspectives with local field experiences from urban gardening to collective walking practices, the Marseille gathering reaffirms the role of art and culture as vital catalysts for ecological transition and community-led change.