Culturavirus – the art of new communities
Culturavirus?
„Culturavirus – the art of new communities” is an international project realized by Bemowo Cultural Center from Poland, Portuguese organization Associacao Renovar A Mouraria, and Croatian Pogon – Zagrebački centar za nezavisnu kulturu i mlade. The project is a response to the challenges and needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the implementation of program activities of cultural institutions and social inclusion.
What is the aim of the project?
The aim of the Culturavirus project is to exchange practices and select methods and tools in the field of „community arts” that will be integrated into the daily work of the team of employees and collaborators of partner organizations in the time of social crisis. This will ensure the long-term impact of the project on participants, organizations and local communities, regardless of external circumstances. Exchange of good practices will take place during three study visits, during which the host organizations will present the most interesting local projects, activities that can be implemented in other countries. The overarching goal is to strengthen the sense of empowerment of the recipients of the institution’s activities, increase their participation in the activities and build leadership potential.
What will the study visits be about?
In Poland we want to present methods of community development based on resources and digital forms of community activation. In Portugal, we will learn how to effectively work with multicultural communities, including refugees and migrants. In Croatia, the program of the visit will focus on organizing artistic residencies and supporting residents active in the field of culture and art. The exact programs of these visits are being established and may take into account the needs of the selected participants.
How long does the project last?
The project will last approximately 16 months. During this time there are preparatory activities (online meetings) and mobility – three training study visits in Poland (April 2022), Croatia (May 2022) and Portugal (September 2022).
Who can take part in the project?
Each mobility will involve a total of 15 to 18 participants, i.e. employees, volunteers, community leaders and artists connected to organizations and working for the benefit of local community (from 5 to 6 people per organization). Participation is not limited to employees of partner organizations. They can be people who carry out local activities in cooperation with the organization. It is important that they have ideas for further local activities and use the acquired knowledge and skills in practice after returning from mobility. It is important for us to ensure that all participants of the project speak English at a level sufficient for active participation. We recommend that all participants are vaccinated against COVID-19 – then the international mobility should not be significantly disrupted.
How to apply for participation?
Partner organizations have created a common application form on the basis of which they will select participants (link to the form). Motivation for participation described in the form, including willingness to engage in preparation and implementation of post-project activities and knowledge of English language will be decisive. You can apply for participation in all visits or only in selected ones.
What is the cost of participation in the project and who funds the activities?
In principle, participation is free of charge. The grant awarded by the European Union will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals to a basic standard. The organization of the activities is carried out by the partner institutions involved. Participants should take care of their own insurance during the mobility. The project is financed by the European Union, as part of the Erasmus+ program. The project is coordinated by the Bemowo Culture Center.
Where can I get more information?
In Bemowskie Cultural Centre, the project is coordinated by Klaudia Wojciechowska (koordynator@bemowskie.pl). If you are interested in participating in the project, we invite you to participate in a short information meeting, which will be held online on March 4th at 10:00 am using Google Meet (link to the meeting).
