The CREATECH project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, introduces a fresh and innovative approach to early childhood education by using cultural heritage as a foundation for creative learning. Partners from Finland, Spain, Italy, and Serbia — including INTO SCHOOL, Fundación SM, the Association of Cultural Heritage Education of Finland, HARP, and KulturAll — have worked together to explore how storytelling, creativity, and digital tools can inspire children to reimagine their cultural environments.
At the heart of CREATECH is the Children’s 360° Art Exhibition, where preschoolers present their imaginative interpretations of heritage through stories, songs, drawings, and digital media. These works invite audiences to experience local communities through the lens of the past, present, and future. “CREATECH has given children the tools to express themselves in new ways and shown how cultural heritage can become a natural, joyful part of early education,” said Kati Jokela, preschool teacher from Vaasa, Finland. The exhibition is freely accessible online: CREATECH 360° Art Exhibition.
In addition to the exhibition, the project has celebrated significant milestones that have strengthened its reach and impact. A highlight was the recognition of San Millán, whose outstanding contribution was honored with the Young European Heritage Makers Prize (Council of Europe) — an achievement celebrated across the consortium and a reflection of CREATECH’s quality and influence. “The CREATECH project has been a meaningful step forward for our entire educational community — students, teachers, and local residents alike. Most importantly, it has brought us together around our shared heritage, helping us to cherish it more deeply. The children have embraced this legacy, carrying it in their hearts and transforming it through stories, imagination, and creative expression,” rejoices Ángel Alsasua, Teacher, San Millán de la Cogolla, Spain.
As the project concludes, two key publications will carry its legacy forward: the CREATECH Handbook for Early Childhood Education Professionals with practical tools for daily learning, and a set of recommendations on how digital tools and a transmedia approach can enrich cultural heritage education. This autumn, CREATECH will be presented at conferences and teacher training events in all partner countries, ensuring its practices continue to inspire and support educators across Europe.
“CREATECH shows us that education is not just about facts, but about cherishing children’s voices — voices that carry culture forward with imagination, hope, and the strength of succeeding together.” reflects Janne Hiedanniemi, Head of Education at INTO SCHOOL. The partners are committed to carrying this work forward — sharing knowledge, expanding networks, and inspiring others to join. The seeds planted through CREATECH will continue to grow, scaling into new contexts and reaching new generations of children and educators.
Check out our social media channels and find out more about CREATECH: