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About
A creative ecosystem in Kütahya
K Ü T A H Y A I N N O V A T I O N
&
D E S I G
N H U B
The Project
“Improving Digitalization and the Creativity Ecosystem in Kütahya” is a technical assistance project that aims to establish a Creative Hub in Kütahya, to develop and institutionalize the city’s creative ecosystem, and to ensure its sustainable operation.
The Objective of the Project
The project aims to support the city’s socio-economic development and improve its competitiveness in national and international markets by enhancing the design, production, and brand value of Kütahya’s ceramic and pottery sector through digital transformation and the creative industries.
Basic Information About the Project
Funded by: The European Union and the Republic of Türkiye, carried out under the Competitive Sectors Programme of the Ministry of Industry and Technology
Beneficiary: Kütahya Municipality.
Project partners: Zafer Development Agency, Dumlupınar University, Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kütahya Chamber of Çini Artisans, Photographers and Handicrafts.
Project region: Kütahya / Türkiye
Project duration: June 2023 – June 2025
Operated by: WYG Türkiye
Consortium partners: Ekvita, Idema, Planet, SAM, CTF, Congenia
Kütahya: Celebrating Creativity and Innovation
The creative economy has become one of the key drivers of regional socio-economic development, often described today as an “economy of beauty” and a “design economy,” as highlighted in the European Union’s 2014 Design for Growth and Prosperity report.
Kütahya’s çini (tile art) sector stands as a leading example of Türkiye’s growing creative industries. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016 and joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2017 in the “Crafts and Folk Arts” category.
Building on its deep-rooted expertise in çini and ceramics, Kütahya is now embracing next-generation additive manufacturing technologies to carry this heritage into the future. The Project and the Center aim to create a holistic creative ecosystem focused on competitiveness, innovation, digital transformation, and global engagement, accelerating local and regional socio-economic development.
These initiatives aim to strengthen product design, integrate digital technologies throughout design and production processes, and develop a distinctive brand identity for Kütahya’s products—further enhancing the city’s strong position within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
KIDH – Kütahya Innovation and Design Hub (KIDH)
KIDH is a creative center rooted in Kütahya’s long-standing ceramic and tile tradition, co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey.
The 2,000 m² campus houses:
• A production area integrated with a research laboratory
• A permanent exhibition space
• A conference hall
• Business Development Unit
KIDH operates under three main units:
• Research and Production Laboratory
• Design and Communication Unit
• Business Development Unit
Kemer Hamam – KİDH Exhibition Space
The historic Kemer Hamam has been revitalized under the KİDH umbrella. The venue serves as a vibrant center for ceramic exhibitions and also hosts sectoral events, temporary exhibitions, and special programs.
Kemer Hamam provides an inspiring environment for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and designers to collaborate and share ideas. It is also a unique location for photography and video productions.
Akalın Konak – KİDH Co-Working Space
Akalın Konak has been redesigned within KİDH as a multifunctional space that blends the elegance of a traditional Anatolian mansion with modern creativity. The venue showcases art through ceramic exhibitions while supporting innovation with creative studios spanning two floors.
These creative studios provide inspiring spaces for various disciplines—from craft workshops to digital offices, photography studios, and startup hubs. The mansion also offers flexible rental options for corporate events and exhibitions.
