We are delighted to share some great news: Mutur Beltz has been selected as one of the 24 most inspiring projects in Europe in the Agricultural & Rural Inspiration Awards 2025 (ARIA), organised by the EU CAP Network.
These awards recognise rural initiatives that best embody the values of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), promoting sustainability, innovation, social inclusion and resilience in rural areas.
Our project has been selected as a finalist in the category ‘Socio-economic fabric of rural areas’ for its ability to strengthen the social and economic fabric of rural areas through art, wool and community life.
What are the ARIA Awards?
The Agricultural & Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) highlight European projects that are ‘shaping tomorrow together’, promoting a more sustainable, inclusive and humane rural model.
After evaluating more than 120 entries from the 26 countries in the European network, the jury has selected only 24 finalists — one of which is Mutur Beltz, representing the Basque Country and Spain.
During the ceremony on 3 December in Brussels, the six winning projects will be announced: four by thematic category, one for gender equality and another by popular vote.
Now we need your vote!
Among all the awards, there is one that is very special: the People’s Choice Award (Popular Vote), which is decided by the votes of the public.
Every vote counts towards raising awareness of our work with Carranzana wool, the circular economy, art and the revival of rural life.
🗳️ Voting is very easy and will only take a few seconds:
👉 Vote for Mutur Beltz at the ARIA Awards 2025
Simply click on ‘Vote for the best’, search for ‘Mutur Beltz (Spain – Basque Country)’ and press ‘Vote now’.
📍Our project is at the end of the list, so don’t worry if it takes you a while to find us.
Why Mutur Beltz?
From the Karrantza Valley (Bizkaia), Mutur Beltz was created to promote the wool of Carranzana sheep, an endangered native breed, and transform it into art, design and a sustainable rural economy.
In recent years, we have:
- Recovered more than 8,000 kg of local wool, preventing it from being incinerated.
- Paid to 14–15 shepherds and shepherdesses each year, the highest price for this type of wool in Spain.
- Developed more than 40 cultural and educational activities: workshops and talks, artist residencies, exhibitions, and annual publications.
- Encouraged the participation of more than 5,000 people in cultural and educational activities.
- And most importantly, we have woven a network of affection, trades and knowledge that unites craftsmanship, artistry and community.
A tribute to the rural world and those who sustain it
Being finalists in the ARIA 2025 awards is recognition of the work of many hands and hearts: shepherds, designers, artists, researchers, neighbours, children who participate in our workshops, and all those who believe that another way of living in rural areas is possible.
Thanks to the EU CAP Network for highlighting this work and demonstrating that the countryside can also be a place of innovation, culture and future.
🌿Vote, share and help Karrantza’s voice be heard in Europe.
https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/aria-2025
#ARIAwards25 #MuturBeltz #ElBuenVivir #LanaVasca #Karrantza