61 Settling in a redeveloping district, OPEK has become a pioneer in the canal area, accelerating its transformation into a vibrant creative hub attracting new players every day. OPEK triggered many other organisations in Leuven to work together, share infrastructure and reactivate cultural heritage. It also played a pivotal role in the reactivation of the community and public space in the canal area. More people are coming every day for a stroll, which also benefits the community living and working there. At local level, the initiative also acted as an eye opener for the municipality, who found its role as a facilitator, leaving grassroots initiatives to lead projects, in the spirit of the commons. Cultural heritage is now more integrated into strategic local policies, perceived as an accelerator and resource for urban regeneration and community building. In order to recognise and strengthen these existing grassroots dynamics, Leuven introduced the Vaartopia project, an urban renewal project aiming to create more affordable space for creatives in the canal area. OPEK, public depot for the arts How?