Creative Europe
Desk UK
for Culture

In any spa town in the SOURCE project there is at the mythical heart of the place, one or more springs of thermal mineral water. These
sources and the towns that arose from them have long been sources of inspiration and creativity for writers, artists, philosophers, scientists,
and paved the way for new forms of society and tourism in Europe. Spa in Belgium became known as the “Café of Europe” and our project is
inspired by this name to discuss and debate the origins and future of spa culture in prestigious, imaginative events, which are interwoven with
new forms of writing, and set within some of Europe’s most interesting festivals.
The SOURCE project has three strands, inspired by a rich history and common cultural heritage, which tackle the key themes that face spa
towns as they examine their role in today’s Europe. The project invites participation in modern European Spa Culture, based on new means
of communication and interaction, between the spa towns and people of all ages, who have yet to discover these famous towns, their healthgiving healing waters, and varied cultural life.
The SOURCE project will:
• Debate issues for the future of spa towns through a series of prestigious panel discussions called the “Cafés of Europe”, linked to festival
events and broadcast online.
• Celebrate “Sources of Inspiration and Creativity”. Promote the rich variety of festivals and exhibitions in European spa towns, and set up
new exchanges between festival organisers to prepare for future collaborations. Use the spa towns as “Sources of Inspiration” by engaging
the present-day citizens with historic Europeans, through an interactive novel written via social media, and ranging across Europe, but with
meeting points at the Café Events. These events and present day spa life will be documented through new specially-commissioned travel
diaries. Celebrate the actual water sources.
• Preserve documents and artworks, old and new, online, at a European “Centre des Sources”.