From October 17th to 19th, Marseille became a hub for sustainability and repair culture through the REPper project consortium meeting and the first Repair festival. Over three dynamic days, project partners, local organisations, and the community came together to exchange ideas, plan future initiatives, and engage in hands-on activities aimed at promoting repair practices and the circular economy.
The event opened with the REPper consortium meeting, hosted by AViTeM, where partners shared project updates, discussed budget management, and reviewed deadlines and main objectives. These presentations highlighted key aspects of the REPper project, from setting up “repair hubs” at partner sites to strategies for raising community awareness around the benefits of repair and sustainability.
Following the consortium meeting, Marseille opened its doors to the public for two days of immersive events as part of the Repair Festival, held at two key locations: the popular shopping centre Les Terrasses du Port and the community-focused Recyclerie Sportive.
At Les Terrasses du Port, both days featured interactive booths and hands-on demonstrations of repair techniques. From furniture and household goods to bicycles and clothing, participants could take part in demonstrations on how to extend the life of everyday objects. By hosting the festival in a bustling shopping centre, the event reached a wider audience, raising awareness among people who typically do not attend sustainability events, fostering greater awareness around repair culture.
At Recyclerie Sportive, partners were welcomed with a guided tour of this unique community space, which offers second-hand clothing at affordable prices and an annual subscription option providing free bicycle repairs. In line with the festival’s themes, the Recyclerie hosted hands-on workshops over both days, encouraging local residents and visitors to explore repair techniques and appreciate the value of a circular economy. On the first day, an in-depth afternoon repair workshop allowed participants to exchange knowledge and skills, fostering a collaborative environment where partners could learn from experts and each other.
The REPper project partners left Marseille with fresh insights and ideas to bring back to their respective countries. With plans to further develop repair centres and community initiatives, the REPper project continues to advance its mission of making the culture of repair an integral part of everyday life.
