Sustainable pillars for a creative city. Case study: Cultural hubs and artist-run spaces in the urban area of Timisoara

This study, conducted at the beginning of 2025, examines the evolution of the creative city concept and the role of cultural hubs in promoting urban identity and supporting cultural initiatives. Timișoara, European Capital of Culture in 2023, experienced significant transformation in terms of innovative cultural initiatives, with cultural hubs playing a key role in developing cultural actions initiated before and after the implementation of the national program "Timișoara European Capital of Culture." In the European context and amidst increasing diversity in urban connections (both physical and virtual) Timișoara’s cultural hubs have become strategic landmarks for defining and promoting the identity of the creative city concept. This study aims to analyze how cultural hubs such as Ambasada, Faber, FITT (Timiș County Youth Foundation), Reciproc, and other artist-run cultural spaces such as Scârț Loc Lejer, Balamuc, Indecis, MV Sci Art, and Casa Jakab Toffler, contribute to shaping Timișoara’s image as a creative city.