In February 2020, Open Up held its Kick-Off meeting, where representatives of the 7 partners: Pierides Foundation, Publics, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, University of Thessaly, Valand Academy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and New Hand Lab, from 7 European countries: Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Sweden, Spain and Portugal, came together at NiMAC, in Nicosia, Cyprus. The two-day long meeting gave rise to fruitful discussions about the first steps of the project, its broader mission, ideas about future happenings, as well as detailed descriptions of the laboratories and festivals each partner will hold. Seeing the people involved with the project together and so eager to contribute, gave everyone a sense of excitement and anticipation for what is coming. Each partner, having its own area of expertise in the fields of art and craft, resulted to an inspirational exchange of ideas and practises. We are all so happy and optimistic for this new beginning!