Common Ground Kolektiv
KreaTRIBU Europa: LIKHA
Bornholm, Denmark | September 2026
LIKHA: Where We Come Together
A little island, a gathering of Filipino creatives, and the beginning of something beautiful.
The first-ever KreaTRIBU Europa: LIKHA, a Filipino Creative Bootcamp, took place from 25-27 of September 2026. What began as a weekend of workshops, conversations, forest walks, and shared meals among Filipino creatives from across Europe became the beginning of something beautiful: deeper camaraderie, lasting connections, and meaningful collaborations that will continue long after our time on the island.
KreaTRIBU Europa: LIKHA is a creative bootcamp for Filipino artists, cultural workers, and creatives living across Europe. Its purpose is simple yet powerful: to create a dedicated space where diaspora creatives can share stories, exchange practices, build genuine connections, and explore possibilities for collaboration — without having to constantly explain the complexities of their dual cultural realities. By bringing people together in person, LIKHA seeks to ease the isolation that can come with creating in the diaspora, strengthen the visibility of Filipino creative voices, and nurture long-term networks that support both emerging and established practitioners across Europe.
At its heart, LIKHA was about making space for the messy, beautiful reality of creating art while navigating life between cultures. It was a space to talk, laugh, make things with our hands, wander through the forest, and gather around shared meals. More than anything, it was an opportunity to recognise something we don't always get to experience in our everyday lives: the reassurance that we are not alone.
We are deeply grateful to Therese Christensen (Denmark · Auralis Press) for hosting the bootcamp, and to our co-organisers, Louise Baterna (Belgium · Philippine Arts & Cultural Exchange) and Grace Emmelot (Norway · Common Ground Kolektiv), for helping bring this gathering to life.
Most of all, we thank the participants who answered the call and made LIKHA what it was: Marisol Aguilar (Norway), Criselda Yabes (France), and Helena Bartels (Germany). Your presence, generosity, and willingness to share helped lay the foundations for a creative community that we hope will continue to grow, connect, and create together across borders.
LIKHA is just the beginning.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our heartfelt thanks also go to the people who helped make the bootcamp even more interesting, meaningful, and worthwhile:
-
David Christensen, Hephaetus Project Bornholm (Moderator)
-
Enrico Macció, PhD Fellow at Copenhagen Business School (Guest Speaker)
-
Kia Christensen, Local Ceramic Artist from Bornholm
We would also like to thank Mayor Frederik Tolstrup of Bornholm for warmly welcoming the group, Ambassador Pablito Mendoza (Philippines to Denmark), and Chairman Morten Riis of Makers Island Bornholm for joining us on the second day.
We also acknowledge TV2 Bornholm for their interest in featuring the bootcamp and helping carry this story beyond the island.
One of the most powerful outcomes of the weekend was a shared commitment to the Mapping of Filipino Creatives and Artists in Europe — an initiative that deserves to be heard, seen, and continued.
This is only the beginning.
The next gathering will take place in Belgium, hosted by the Philippine Arts & Cultural Exchange.
Photos: Grace Emmelot
Let's keep this going.
We warmly invite:
-
Filipino artists and creatives across Europe to follow the journey, share your work, and join future gatherings
-
Organisations that support diaspora, cultural exchange, or creative communities to partner with us
-
Individuals who believe in the power of connection and representation to support and amplify this movement
Whether you create, organise, fund, or simply care — there is a place for you here. Reach out, follow the organisations, and be part of what comes next.
What happened in Bornholm was never meant to stay there.
Come walk with us.
Maraming Salamat.
A 7-minute video POV G.E
Join us, kapwa creatives!
Come together on the beautiful island of Bornholm for a tranquil weekend with fellow Filipino artists, cultural workers, and creatives in the European diaspora.
A warm gathering where you can share stories, exchange best practices, join creative workshops, network with peers, meet local artists, and collaborate on new ideas in an inspiring setting.
OPEN TO EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED CREATIVES!
IN COLLABORATIONS WITH
Create • Connect • Collaborate
WHERE IS BORNHOLM?
Bornholm, Denmark – The Perfect Venue for KreaTRIBU
Located in the Baltic Sea, east of mainland Denmark, Bornholm is a charming island often called the “Pearl of the Baltic.” With its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and rolling green hills, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Bornholm’s serene yet vibrant creative energy makes it the perfect setting for KreaTRIBU. Away from the hustle of big cities, it provides the ideal environment for meaningful connections, deep conversations, and creative renewal among Filipino creatives in the diaspora.
Why Bornholm in September is Ideal for a Creative Bootcamp
September is one of the best months to visit. The summer crowds have left, leaving a peaceful atmosphere. Temperatures are mild (around 15–18°C / 59–64°F), perfect for outdoor inspiration and walks. The famous “golden light” of Bornholm is particularly beautiful in early autumn, creating stunning conditions for artists and creatives.
Bornholm: Denmark’s Maker’s Island
Bornholm is proudly known as “Maker’s Island” (Makers Island Bornholm) and holds the prestigious title of World Craft Region — the first island in the world and the first region in Europe to receive this honour from the World Craft Council.
Why it’s special for creatives:
-
It has one of the highest concentrations of artisans and craftspeople per square kilometre in Denmark.
-
Famous for its long tradition in ceramics, artistic glass, textiles, wood, and jewellery.
-
Home to working studios, glassblowing workshops, ceramic factories (like the historic Hjorths Fabrik), and open galleries where visitors can meet the makers.
-
Features strong institutions like the Royal Danish Academy’s School of Design (specialising in glass and ceramics).
The island perfectly blends historical craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Local makers draw heavy inspiration from the dramatic cliffs, Baltic Sea light, and natural landscapes.
For KreaTRIBU, this makes Bornholm an ideal location: a living creative ecosystem where Filipino creatives can connect with a strong local maker culture, exchange ideas, and feel inspired in a supportive, hands-on environment.
The theme: LIKHA
Likha is the Filipino word for “to create” or “creation.”
This theme beautifully captures the heart of our gathering. In the spirit of bayanihan and Filipino creativity, KreaTRIBU is not just about consuming culture — it’s about actively creating together.
Why “Likha”?
-
It honours our Filipino roots, where creation is deeply tied to community, storytelling, and resilience.
-
It reflects the joy of making — whether through art, design, writing, performance, or new collaborations.
-
It reminds us that even in the diaspora, we continue to likha (create) new stories, new works, and new connections that bridge our heritage with our present realities.
At KreaTRIBU, we come together to Likha — to imagine, build, experiment, and grow. Through workshops, conversations, and shared moments on the inspiring island of Bornholm, we turn ideas into something real.
Likha is our act of joy, resistance, and hope. Let’s create something meaningful together.
Mapping of Filipino Creatives in the Diaspora: Europe
It’s about finding, connecting, and empowering Filipino creatives across Europe so we can thrive together.
This initiative aims to create the first comprehensive map and directory of Filipino artists, designers, cultural workers, and creatives living and working across Europe.
Pottery Workshop with a Local Artist in Bornholm
Bornholm is famously known as “Maker’s Island” — one of the strongest centres for ceramics and craftsmanship in Europe. Taking a pottery workshop here with a local artist connects you directly to a living tradition that spans over 150 years.
It’s more than just a workshop — it’s a memorable, soul-nourishing experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of Likha (creation) during KreaTRIBU.
Collaborate with
fellow artist
In Bornholm, during this bootcamp, collaboration is not just a slogan — it is the way we work: through open conversations, joint workshops, co-creation sessions, and genuine human connections.
Collaboration is how we grow stronger, create more meaningfully, and ensure that no Filipino creative in the diaspora has to walk alone.
Let’s build something beautiful — together.
P R O G R A M M E
_Page_1.png)
_Page_2.png)
_Page_3.png)
A special opportunity to have your portrait taken on Bornholm!
Be part of the project Portraits of Filipino Creatives in the Diaspora, courtesy of Common Ground Kolektiv
This is optional and free for all the attendees.
KreaTribu Europa Bootcamp Team
Prepare for an incredible bootcamp highlighting the local experts from the Makers Island of Bornholm! You’ll embark on an exciting journey of learning and innovation. Seize this fantastic opportunity to collaborate and grow together!
Moderator | | Bornholm, Denmark
Dr. David Christensen
Project Team Lead, Regional Municipality of Bornholm | Part-time Lecturer, Aalborg University
Dr. David Christensen is an environmental engineer, researcher, and project leader with extensive experience in facilitating international collaborations across academia, government, and civil society. As Project Team Lead at BOFA (Bornholm's waste management authority), he leads research and innovation initiatives funded by European and national programmes. He also teaches sustainability, innovation, and systems thinking at Aalborg University.
With a background in leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborative projects.
Guest Speaker | | Bornholm, Denmark
Enrico Macciò
Enrico Macciò is a PhD Fellow at Copenhagen Business School whose work explores creativity, craft, cultural heritage, and the value of slowing down in a fast-moving world. As a researcher in the Horizon Europe HEPHAESTUS project, he studies how traditional craft, innovation, and communities can shape more sustainable and meaningful futures.
During LIKHA, he will invite participants to reflect on creativity not simply as artistic expression, but as a way of thinking, connecting, and creating lasting impact.
Ceramic Artist | Bornholm, Denmark
Kia Christensen
Kia Christensen is a ceramic artist based in Southern Bornholm, where she runs her own ceramics studio and hosts creative workshops for people of all ages and backgrounds. She believes that creativity flourishes in an inclusive and supportive environment, where the focus is on exploration rather than perfection.
Inspired by the meditative nature of working with clay, Kia encourages participants to slow down, trust their intuition, and embrace the creative process as a way of connecting with themselves and others.
During LIKHA Creative Boot Camp, participants will take part in a hands-on ceramics workshop led by Kia, offering an opportunity to experience creativity through making, reflection, and shared artistic exploration.
Host | Bornholm, Denmark
Therese Marie Baba Christensen
Therese Marie Baba Christensen is a Filipino author, publisher, and cultural advocate based in Bornholm, Denmark. She is the author of several children's books and the memoir A Pebble Cast in the Nordic Sea, and the founder of Auralis Press, an independent publishing house dedicated to fostering storytelling, intercultural dialogue, and creative collaboration. Through her writing, publishing, and community initiatives, she works to create spaces where diverse voices can connect, share stories, and inspire one another across cultures.
As the Danish host of LIKHA Creative Boot Camp, Therese leads local event coordination and is committed to creating a welcoming environment where Filipino creatives can connect, collaborate, and grow together.
.jpg)
Collaborator | Brussels, Belgium
Louise Baterna
Writer and nomadic cultural curator Louise Baterna is the founder and president of the Philippine Art and Culture Exchange (PACE), a fully registered non-profit organisation based in Brussels, Belgium. PACE is dedicated to creating platforms for Filipino and other Asian creatives in Belgium and beyond. It is a leading organisation in producing community-based and mainstream events such as food festivals; art and photography exhibitions; conferences and debates; and the invitation of Filipino authors to international literary festivals, among others.
Louise is also the co-creator and curator of the first Asian Literary Festival in Brussels, held in 2025, which featured a number of Europe-based Filipino writers. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and has many years of editorial experience, having served as Assistant Editor of the Lifestyle Section and Main Reporter for the Tourism Section of the Manila Bulletin as well as writing for local and international magazines. In 2025, she was invited to serve as a member of the jury for the 2025 Asian Prize for Poetry. She is currently the editor for Belgium for Roots and Wings Magazine, a global magazine for the Filipino diaspora.
In addition to writing, Louise is a cultural events curator and completed coursework in the Master Class “Curating Contemporary Art” at the University of the Arts in London. She has worked on several exhibition projects, including the six-week Philippine Diaspora exhibition at Brussels’ Museum of Migration, which featured art and photography exhibitions, films and video interviews, objects, and literary works.
Louise currently lives in Brussels and runs a Writers Cottage in the small village of Surice, Belgium.
Collaborator | Ringsaker, Norway
Grace Orbon Emmelot
A photographer & visual artist. She balances commercial work under Emmelot Grace with personal projects exploring immigrant identity, belonging, and everyday diaspora life.
With over two decades of experience in photography, multimedia, film, documentary, and marketing, she is an alumna of Batch 14 of the Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop & the Katorse Writers Group. She prompted Common Ground Kolektiv to foster collaboration among Filipino artists in Norway, connect personal immigrant stories, and celebrate creative resilience.
In 2021, she presented Half Circles, a photo exhibition at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo. In 2024, she helped organise Ito ay Tahanan | This is Home, the first all-Filipino group exhibition in Oslo. She contributes to The Filipino Expat and Roots & Wings magazines.
She currently documents productions for RingsakerOperaen and has collaborated recently with Strand Kunst Residens and Opera di Setra.
Cost Overview & Budget Guide
KreaTribu Europa Filipino Creatives Bootcamp
25-27 September 2026 | Bornholm, Denmark
KreaTRIBU Europa will cover:
-
Venue for all sessions
-
Local transport on the island
-
Breakfast, fruits, light snacks, and drinks
-
Workshop materials
-
Miscellaneous program expenses
Shared accommodation in a rented house is the most cost-effective and community-oriented option.
Deadline for Confirmation: September 1, 2026
• • • ----- • • •
Cost Breakdown per Participant
-
Transportation to Bornholm - By Bus + Ferry, By Air, By Ferry (Varies by origin)
-
(Go to the FAQ on this page to know more information about how to get to Bornholm)
-
-
Participation Fee: 375 DKK (51 €) per person
-
Includes: Breakfast, Snacks, Sessions, Ceramic workshop
-
-
Accommodation – 2 nights at Nexø Hostel:
-
Single occupancy: 495 DKK (67.00 €) per room/night
-
Double occupancy: 556 DKK per room/night – special group rate (278 DKK (37.18€) per person/night when shared by two)
-
Not included: * Transport to and from Bornholm * Accommodation * Dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Bornholm, Denmark? To reach the Danish island of Bornholm, the most popular and convenient route is via Ystad, Sweden. The entire trip from Copenhagen to Bornholm’s main port, Rønne, takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Choose from these primary travel options depending on your preference and budget: 1. Bus + High-Speed Ferry (Most Popular) The Route: Travel from Copenhagen to the port of Ystad, Sweden, where you will board a high-speed catamaran (the BornholmerFærgen ferries) to Rønne. Providers: Kombardo Expressen offers direct coach service from Copenhagen (picking up at City Hall Square and Copenhagen Airport) that drives directly onto the ferry. Alternatively, you can take the DSB train from Copenhagen Central Station to Ystad (with a quick transfer at Malmö Hyllie), which connects directly to the high-speed passenger ferry. Time & Price: Approximately 3.5 hours total travel time. Tickets start around 150 DKK ($22 USD) each way for foot passengers. 2. By Air (Fastest) The Route: Fly directly from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Bornholm Airport (RNN). Provider: DAT (Danish Air Transport) operates this route. Time & Price: The flight is just 35 minutes. Prices typically range from 500 to 1,000 DKK ($75–$150 USD) one-way depending on the season. 3. Direct Ferry from Køge, Denmark (Slow/Overnight) The Route: If you prefer to stay in Denmark and avoid traveling through Sweden, a slower, overnight car ferry departs from Køge (just south of Copenhagen) to Rønne. Provider: Bornholmslinjen Time: Approximately 5.5 to 8 hours, depending on the specific sailing. Check source: https://bornholm.info/en/
What is KreaTRIBU Bootcamp? KreaTRIBU is an intimate, small-group creative bootcamp designed for Filipino artists, designers, cultural workers, and creatives in the European diaspora. It’s a relaxed weekend of workshops, sharing sessions, collaboration, and connection on the beautiful island of Bornholm.
Who is this bootcamp for? It is open to Filipino (Filipino heritage and origin) creatives (artists, designers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, cultural workers, etc.) currently based in Europe. Whether you are emerging or established, this is a space for those who want to connect with fellow kapwa creatives.
Why should I join? This is a rare opportunity to gather with other Filipino creatives in Europe in a peaceful, inspiring setting. You’ll recharge, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, learn from local artists (including a pottery workshop), and build meaningful long-term connections.