Open MaLL Open Day: Co-Creation and Community Engagement in the Madonie Living Lab

On 11 May, the Madonie Living Lab organized the “Open MaLL Open Day” in Petralia Sottana, transforming the historic cloister area into an open exhibition and exchange space. The event provided an opportunity to present the results of recent co-creation activities carried out within the Lab, showcasing the collaborative efforts of four groups composed of students and ULL participants.

Through interactive stands, visitors experienced a variety of outputs including video screenings, a photographic exhibition, a printed fanzine, and digitally fabricated objects developed in partnership with local artisans.

The Open Day attracted more than 50 participants, among them policymakers, local residents, students, and academic representatives. By engaging directly with the groups, visitors were able to share feedback, exchange ideas, and identify potential areas for future cooperation. Guided tours of the space and informal conversations contributed to a constructive and participatory atmosphere, while a tasting of traditional local sweets offered a moment of conviviality.

The initiative not only highlighted the creativity and commitment of the participants but also strengthened the connection between the Madonie Living Lab and the surrounding community. In this way, the Open Day fulfilled the Lab’s core mission of knowledge sharing, co-creation, and active engagement, while fostering new opportunities for collaboration at both local and European levels.