Well-being and Support

Creative hubs do not only build projects, programs, and spaces; they are also structures that inspire, bring together, and support people. However, the people at the center of this structure—the founders, the executives, the contributors—often become the support mechanism themselves. In other words, they constantly open space to the outside, solve crises, generate ideas, find resources, moderate, explain, and listen… and the structures that will support them in this process are often neglected.

Over time, this can accumulate into feelings of burnout, loneliness, and physical/mental strain. Moreover, the multi-layered nature of creative hubs—space, community, finance, content development, and ecosystem relationships—adds to this burden.

This burden becomes even more unbearable, especially in contexts where there is a lot of uncertainty and economic and political risks are high.

At this point, it is necessary to ask the following question: What do you base yourself on as a person who constantly provides support?

The people who establish, run and maintain the support mechanism also need their own support systems. This support is not only about individual well-being; it is also a structural necessity for a hub to continue to exist. Because if you are not there, that hub does not exist.

Well-being is therefore not a luxury; it is a prerequisite. But this topic is always confined to Western personal development language: meditate, eat healthy, do sports, etc. But in our context, well-being is shaped more by solidarity, relationships, and the reality of the conditions of existence. In order to be able to keep a job, it is as much about who you keep it with and who hires you that determines what you have.

This tool opens up space for you to see what you’re holding yourself back from, both individually and structurally. Then, it helps you consider what support mechanisms you need to carry that burden more healthily.

Running a creative hub is not just a job; it is also a process in which many social, emotional and physical burdens are carried together. The person or people who keep the hub going are often the ones supporting others, standing in the field, and pulling the load. Over time, this can lead to burnout, isolation and internal vulnerabilities that threaten the sustainability of the structure. In order to maintain resilience, both the existence and accessibility of support mechanisms become critical. What are the structures you rely on in this sense?

List the elements that keep you going in the following areas:

• Financial: A place where you don't have to pay rent, someone who can help you in an unexpected situation, an additional source of income

• Social: A person who supports you unconditionally, a circle of friends, someone you can lean on

• Professional: A teammate whose wisdom you trust, an institution you work with, a network you get support from

• Internal resources: Things that are good for you, like being in the field, being with people, spending time in nature, being alone, writing…

Question: What areas are you lacking in this chart? Which ones do you need to strengthen?

Sometimes fatigue, stress, or disorientation speaks through your body or behavior. Recognizing your own signals can be both a preventative and restorative step.

• Are there things you've been putting off or avoiding more than usual lately?

• Have you had more frequent moments where you have difficulty making decisions or feel empty?

• Do you feel like something is emptying inside as you try to keep up with everything?

• Have you ever had moments where you thought, “What am I doing?”

• Have you been spending less and less time for yourself?

If there are 3 or more signals , this situation may not be sustainable. It may be a call to reconnect , not to stop.

Consider how you can repair your connection with yourself and your purpose. It may be helpful to write or think about the questions below.

• What are the environments that are good for you, motivate you, and help you recover?

• Who is the person who brings you back to yourself? When do you feel clearer and more grounded when you talk to them?

• At what moments do you remember most why you do what you do?

• How do you feel about your body physically? When do you feel stronger and more whole?

What can you change today, even if it's small, to reconnect with yourself?

Tough times are inevitable. The important thing is to know what support, what structure or what strategy to turn to when that happens.

• What would be the first thing you would do in a crisis? Take a deep breath, talk to someone you trust, or just pause for a moment?

• Who would be the people whose wisdom you trust in such moments, who would you call in which situation?

• Is there someone who can represent you temporarily when you are unable to make decisions? Is there a situation where you might need to think about power of attorney or sharing of duties?

*Crisis plans are not necessary for "giving up"; they are necessary for remaining strong and calm in the face of unexpected situations. Being prepared when a crisis comes is a step you take today so that you do not lose control. Resilience is a muscle that needs to be developed not only in times of crisis, but in all times.

This tool can make you ask yourself the question over and over again: “Am I really resilient?” The answer to this question doesn’t necessarily have to be “yes.” But being able to answer this question honestly is very valuable in determining your next step. Sometimes you may need to expand your support mechanisms, and sometimes you may need to establish new structures where you can share some of the burdens. But most importantly: You are not alone. Seeking support is the most basic reflex of resilience.