Translocal Matters: Socially Engaged Arts and Design on the Borderlands
Co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg fund, under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Hungary Programme (www.interreg-rohu.eu), the Project TRANSMAT is announced by FABER and MODEM as the next edition of Design Signals on FABER's side, and a new collaborative project inviting artists, designers and architects to research across the construction and building materials industry in Romania and Hungary.
TRANSMAT connects Debrecen (Hungary) and Timișoara (Romania) through contemporary art, design, and creative cooperation. The project uses artistic expression and innovation to transform knowledge into culture, encouraging cooperation between artists, designers, and local communities on both sides of the border.
Implementation: 3 November 2025 – 2 May 2028 (30 months)
Project Value: €2,500,326.98 | ERDF Contribution: €1,598,284.00
Partners: MODEM Debrecen, FABER Timișoara
Type: Standard project | Culture and Sustainable Tourism | RS04.6
Jems Code: ROHU00265
Project Overall Objectives
TRANSMAT uses contemporary cultural infrastructure, art and design methodologies, and academic research to transform knowledge into cultural artefacts to generate a better understanding of the cross-border region at the public level, but also to consolidate public trust and curiosity towards culture in general (art and design more specifically) and to empower and unite artists and designers at different career stages, performing across Europe.
- Deepen public understanding of art, design, and regional identity
- Foster trust and curiosity toward culture and partner institutions
- Empower and connect artists and designers across Europe
- Create a scalable model for cross-border cooperation
- Build lasting cultural and professional networks
Key activities & Results
MODEM Centre – Debrecen: Extension and modernisation of the Modern and Contemporary Art Centre, adding 1,340 m² of new exhibition and community spaces and improving energy efficiency to create a more sustainable cultural venue.
- FABER Pavilion – Timișoara: Construction of a multifunctional, weather-protected pavilion designed for creative workshops, exhibitions, and public gatherings, supporting long-term cultural exchange.
- Cross-Border Cultural Programme: A joint travelling exhibition showcasing innovative works in art and design, developed by artists and designers from both countries.
- Tourism and Cultural Strategy: Development of a joint tourism strategy to increase the visibility of the region’s contemporary culture and strengthen its position as a creative destination.
- Visitor Growth: Expansion of cultural participation with an increase in annual visitors - from 45,000 to 47,000 - as a result of improved facilities and programming.
Partners
Lead Partner: MODEM Modern and Contemporary Art Centre Ltd. (HU)
Project Partner: FABER Association (RO)
TRANSMAT redefines how art, design, and knowledge shape communities. By modernising cultural spaces and fostering creative exchange between Debrecen and Timișoara, the project builds a bridge of innovation, inclusion, and shared identity. It shows how cross-border culture can inspire people to imagine a more creative, sustainable, and connected future.