The Routes We Take is a collaboration between the EUNIC Cluster in Sri Lanka, and Good Life X, and a symbol of commitment of a community of likeminded creatives who take on the challenge to tackle environmental crises. From sustainable fashion to innovative inventions, the digital map comprises of a diverse set of brilliant minds ready to shape the future of Sri Lanka and beyond.

This is a collaboration between the EU National Institutes of Culture and the European Embassies and organisations in Sri Lanka. With our strong amazing local partner, Good Life X, and the creation of a Green Map of Sri Lanka, there is a starting point where a lot of things can develop from it to raise awareness about ecological questions in the creative field and to connect all these initiatives, start-ups, arches in the whole country for future projects.

Stefan Winkler, Director of Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka

Between February and April 2024, a collaborative effort with the local partner GLX resulted in the creation of a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's creative industries focused on ecological transition. The project aimed to identify and map sustainable and innovative initiatives that could inspire future solutions for environmental challenges. By carefully evaluating production processes, business models, and shared inspirations, over 170 creative industries were selected and showcased on the interactive digital map, The Routes We Take.

As part of the process, 20 candidates were shortlisted for in-depth interviews, from which 10 standout creatives were chosen for an exhibition. This event, held during the last weekend of August, brought together a dynamic selection of artists and innovators from across Sri Lanka. The exhibition, which attracted hundreds of visitors, included not only displays of the selected creatives' works but also live performances, interactive workshops, and open studio tours throughout Colombo, and opened a great opportunity of interaction for creatives, institutions and policy makers.

The creation of the map itself was a collaborative effort, with the concept and design finalised in May and June, incorporating input from local artists. The map’s thematic and graphic elements were carefully crafted to visually represent the diversity and innovation of the selected creatives.

During the weekend the open-studios tours offered the possibility to get closer to the creatives and their production processes, reinforcing the understanding of the human, creative and committed dynamic behind the scene. The exhibition gathered an engaged crowd from very various backgrounds and offered both a valuable resource for future ecological solutions and a platform for Sri Lankan creatives to showcase their work on the global stage.