Revitalising the rural economy through artistic practice: insights from a Basque project
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Discover the Mutur Beltz project that fosters traditional trades, rural knowledge, employment and gender equality by recovering sheep wool as a strategic economic, ecological and cultural resource. The initiative was among the winners of the EU CAP Network’s Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2025.
Image by Mutur Beltz project on EU CAP Network website
The Mutur Beltz project won the socio-economic fabric of rural areas category of the 2025 ARIA. It promotes sustainability, artistic practice and rural revitalisation by repurposing the wool of the endangered Carranzana sheep. This wool, once highly valued, was regarded as waste and often burnt, threatening agrobiodiversity and the region’s cultural landscape.
Starting in 2020 with LEADER support, Mutur Beltz has developed a sustainable production line transforming this wool into yarns, technical fabrics, footwear, tapestries and designer accessories. By purchasing wool directly from local shepherds at fair prices, the company strengthens circular economy and local resilience. Since 2017, the project has purchased over 5 000 kg of Carranzana wool, supporting 14–15 shepherds annually and shipping over 300 sustainable orders each semester.
Over half of the collaborators, artists and participants are women, reflecting a feminist and community-based approach that recognises rural women as innovators and sources of knowledge.
Beyond production, the project runs artist residencies, intergenerational workshops, educational programmes, publications and collaborations with designers.
The annual Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards recognise inspiring and forward-thinking projects, funded under the Common Agricultural Policy. The 2025 edition focused on generational renewal and projects that foster rural economies and engage youth in shaping rural futures. Discover the other winners in the smart & competitive agriculture, environmental protection and generational renewal categories, as well as the Popular Vote and the Gender Equality awards.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of social inclusion and entrepreneurship.