Description
Several municipalities in Slovakia solved Roma and "not-Roma" tension by building "segregational" walls, separating Roma colonies from the village. While such a solution is seemingly understandable, it is unacceptable as a systemic solution. However, segregational walls have potential to become an easy and populist solution, though actually they are not. The project objectives are to attract public attention to the issue of walls and also to get two communities (Roma and "not-Roma") closer to each other mentally. The outcome is a happening organized at one of such wall in Veľká Ida. It consists of several outputs realized in close collaboration of both groups: the wall painted with sport motives, music jam-sessions, debates... Whole process is filmed, the movie will be projected afterward on many occasions. Primary target groups are local inhabitants, however main target group is wide public of Slovakia. Two project partners contribute by specific approaches of involving of Romas.
Summary of project results
Several municipalities in Slovakia solved Roma and "not-Roma" tension by building "segregational" walls, separating Roma colonies from the village. While such a solution is seemingly understandable, it is unacceptable as a systemic solution. Segregational walls have potential to become an easy and populist solution, though actually they are not a solution at all. The project objective was to attract public attention to the issue of walls, to kick up the dust and open public debate about "daily" racism, oppression and discrimination. Project promoters and partners painted one such wall, involving also inhabitants of adjacent Roma ghetto and making a documentary film about painting. Outcomes of the project - raising of awareness about social exclusion of Roma and inopportune current solutions - were reached by wide publishing, exhibiting and presenting of pictures and the film (presentations were often joined with discussions) what kept discussion about segregation walls and social exclusion of Roma, showing that segregation (wall) is not a solution, but a problem itself. The project delivered main outputs: 1 documentary film, 37700 views of the film on Youtube, 21 articles about the issue, 25 public presentations, 2 events (happening of the wall painting and small festival). Primary beneficiaries were Roma inhabitants in Veľká Ida. They participated in the wall painting and also in festival. They benefited from new way of culture and happening. However, main beneficiary was wide public which got a message about segregation of Roma and discussed about it. Their benefit consisted of contribution to wide discussion and awareness raising about Roma issue. The project partnership achieved balanced and well organized happening in Veľká Ida. While the Periferne centra NGO lead painting of wall, the Slam organized festival/concerts.
Summary of bilateral results