On June 4–5, 2025, the second meeting of the European project ELLIE took place in Florence, hosted at Officina Creativa Lab at Conventino Fuori le Mura. The event brought together consortium partners for two days of intensive work, discussion, and exploration, in a highly symbolic setting: a city where history, art, and craftsmanship continue to thrive in harmony.

ELLIE (Enhancing Living cultural heritage through innovative digital tools and Experiences) is a project funded by the European Union that aims to bridge traditional practices and digital innovation through advanced technologies. Its goal is to develop new approaches to artisanal production and cultural engagement, while also reaching broader and more diverse audiences.

During the Florence meeting, partners presented the progress made across different areas of the project: from defining the requirements and architecture of the digital platform, to managing cultural assets, developing smart tools, and planning experimental activities within local contexts.

A key highlight was the presentation of the pilot demonstrators, developed in various partner countries, offering a tangible look at the transformative potential of ELLIE’s solutions. The technologies showcased ranged from immersive environments and interactive storytelling tools to intelligent platforms capable of adapting to the needs of cultural institutions, artisans, local communities, and visitors.

The program also included a tour of the Conventino, a historic center of Florentine craftsmanship, and a visit to the “Il Bronzetto” workshop, underscoring the project’s strong connection to the world of artisanal heritage.