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Description
The aim of the project is to unlock and strengthen the local potentials of Tarnów as well as to involve and involve residents in the city''s development processes. The result of the project implementation will be the reduction of barriers existing in the city development, in particular in the areas of effective intra-city dialogue, the attractiveness of Tarnów as a place to live and the attractiveness of the local market work. The thematic scope of the project includes:
- launching an effective inner-city dialogue; mechanisms of cooperation between local business and the world of science and local government will also be implemented;
- increasing the attractiveness of the city as a place to live - activities aimed at increasing the diversity of the offer of higher education and modern forms of transferring knowledge;
- attractive public space, developed housing market, a wide range of public services - encouraging to visit, but also to live in the city, thus counteracting the trend of a dwindling number of inhabitants;
- increasing the level of entrepreneurship of the inhabitants of Tarnów, especially young people;
- creating a strong "sense of locality" in the consumer choices of city residents. The project aims to create mechanisms to promote the offer of local companies among residents and to develop mechanisms for cooperation of local companies.
- foundation for future pro-development activities, based on the internal potentials of the city.
Summary of project results
The "Tarnów – A New Glance" project aimed to address several key challenges in Tarnów across social, economic, administrative, and infrastructural domains. Below are the main issues or challenges the project sought to address:
- Population Decline and Aging
- Low Civic Engagement and Trust in Local Government:
- Limited Job Opportunities
- Inadequate Public Services
- Environmental Challenges
- Administrative and Operational Gaps in Local Government
- Underutilized Social and Cultural Potential.
The project aimed to address all of these challenges by fostering greater public engagement, modernizing city services, enhancing economic opportunities, improving environmental quality, and strengthening administrative processes.
The "Tarnów – A New Glance" project rolled out a variety of activities across different areas.
Tarnów created the Tarnów Center of Dialogue (TCD), a space for residents to participate in discussions about city planning, ask questions, and make suggestions. The TCD allowed citizens to attend workshops, join consultations, and connect with city leaders. The city also set up an online platform so residents could easily participate and share feedback from home. To encourage younger people, the city created the Tarnów Academy of Young Leaders, which offered leadership training and involved young residents in important city decisions.
The project expanded the Social Services Center scope of activities and enabled the delivery of many new services and socially necessary activities for residents, especially those residents who are at risk of exclusion.
A program called "Appetite for Cooperation" was introduced to organize community events, such as food festivals, language classes, and art exhibitions. These events aimed to bring residents together and build a stronger community spirit.
To make Tarnów a more supportive place for new businesses, the city introduced programs like "TIME for Business" and "START-up in Tarnów," which helped entrepreneurs with training, resources, and networking. Local shopping events like "jamywtarnowie.pl" and "The Breakfast Market" were launched to encourage residents to support local businesses. These initiatives aimed to help local businesses grow and make the city’s economy more resilient.
The city worked on improving air quality and reducing pollution like "Tarnów without Asbestos," which helped replace harmful materials in buildings. The city conducted a number of campaigns and competitions promoting more ecological awareness among residents. More green spaces were added by planting new trees as part of the "Cooling Tarnów" activity..
The city government trained staff in areas like project management city management issues making city services more effective and efficient.
The "Tarnów – A New Glance" project made the city more lively by organizing cultural activities, such as the "Gateway to Culture" workshops and "Tarnów Outdoor Cinema" screenings, theatre shows in public spaces as part of the "TarNight" project run by the city theatre. The city centre was filled with public art projects and new community spaces, making it more attractive for both residents and visitors. Facilities like the "Library COOL(tura)" provided additional acivities for people to gather, learn, and connect.
These activities have helped Tarnów become a more connected, vibrant, and modern city and residents now have more ways to participate in city decisions, businesses have more support.
There are five good practices from the identified in "Tarnów – A New Glance" project:
Tarnów Dialogue Centre (TDC)
The Tarnów Dialogue Centre was established to foster communication and collaboration between residents, NGOs, and local government. Its goal was to encourage civic participation and make residents feel more involved in decision-making. The TDC organized workshops, consultations, and events, such as the "Tarnów – Do It Yourself" Hackathon and the Tarnów Academy of Young Leaders. A White Book of Dialogue was created to review and recommend improvements to the city’s consultation practices. The center served as a knowledge hub, offering tools and resources for civic engagement and advocacy. It was housed in a renovated historic building, symbolizing a blend of tradition and progress. The TDC website became a central platform for sharing information about participatory practices and ongoing projects. Through these efforts, the center strengthened trust between residents and city officials. The initiative also broadened officials’ perspectives by involving activists and experts in collaboration. Overall, the TDC became a vital tool for building a stronger, more inclusive local community.
Tarnów Mascaron Trail
The Mascaron Trail used art and history to connect residents with Tarnów’s cultural heritage. Fourteen local artists created 30-centimeter bronze sculptures inspired by the original mascarons on the Old Town Hall. The sculptures reflected modern themes like sustainability, youth, and creativity while preserving ties to the city’s past. Residents participated in the project by voting on themes, names, and locations for the sculptures, fostering a sense of ownership. A virtual guide and promotional video made the trail accessible to both residents and visitors. Young people were engaged through a related competition, the "Youth Highway," where they designed street furniture inspired by the trail. The project boosted tourism by attracting visitors to the Old Town and supporting local businesses. Workshops and tours connected the community, increasing awareness of Tarnów’s history and artistic potential. The trail brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, strengthening local pride. It became a successful example of how culture and collaboration can build community bonds.
Discovery Arcade Science and Technology Centre
The Discovery Arcade aimed to make science and technology accessible and exciting for Tarnów’s residents. Opened in 2022, the center hosted workshops in natural sciences, astronomy, and technology for students and residents of all ages. It ran events like the Science and Technology Festival, which brought learning opportunities directly into the community. Five specialized labs were equipped to deliver interactive STEM experiences, encouraging curiosity and hands-on learning. Over 25,000 visitors attended in its first year, reflecting its wide appeal. The project combined educational and entertaining approaches, making STEM subjects engaging for children, teens, and adults. It also served as a space for public consultations and community events. By connecting residents with modern science, the center promoted innovation and creative thinking. The Discovery Arcade strengthened Tarnów’s reputation as a city investing in education and future skills. It stands as a model for how science education can be both accessible and inspiring.
Gateway to Culture
The Gateway to Culture project offered 36 cultural and educational events for Tarnów’s residents. Activities included seven music workshops, 19 photography workshops, and 10 art workshops, led by accomplished artists. The project aimed to provide free access to top-quality cultural education, reducing barriers for residents of all ages. It attracted a wide audience, from children to seniors, who participated enthusiastically and often became regular visitors to the Tarnów Cultural Centre. Each workshop was fully booked, with waiting lists for additional participants. The initiative promoted Tarnów’s cultural scene while showcasing the benefits of Norwegian Funds that supported the project. Residents praised the high quality and variety of the workshops, which helped expand Tarnów’s artistic community. The project also strengthened the cultural center’s role as a hub for creativity and learning. It demonstrated how a relatively small investment could deliver significant cultural and social benefits. Gateway to Culture became a blueprint for engaging communities through accessible, high-quality cultural programming.
From Junior to Senior Program
The From Junior to Senior program connected senior citizens with families needing childcare for children under three years old. Seniors who joined the program received training in first aid and child care, ensuring they were prepared for the responsibility. Parents gained access to a platform where they could find trusted caregivers, easing the challenges of balancing work and family life. Monthly workshops and integration events allowed parents and seniors to build personal connections and trust. The program gave seniors a sense of purpose by allowing them to share their knowledge, experience, and free time with younger generations. It addressed the demographic shifts Tarnów faced, combining the needs of its growing elderly population with the declining number of children. The project helped reduce isolation among seniors while providing vital support to working families. It demonstrated how intergenerational cooperation could benefit both groups. The initiative strengthened community ties and created a model for addressing social challenges through collaboration. From Junior to Senior highlighted the value of using community resources to solve modern problems.
The "Tarnów – A New Glance" project brought positive changes to many different groups across the city.
Residents
People now feel more connected to their city, thanks to more opportunities to participate in decisions and share their opinions. Community events have brought people together, helping to create a sense of pride and connection in Tarnów. Local government started to strenghten greater transparency and mutual trust between residents and city authorities, reducing the previously confrontational "client-corporation" relationship.
Young People and Families
With new programs like the Tarnów Academy of Young Leaders, young residents feel more involved in the city’s future. There were also more family-friendly activities and spaces in the city center, which make Tarnów a more attractive place to live and raise a family. This has encouraged young people to consider building their lives in Tarnów instead of moving away.
Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Small businesses in Tarnów have received more support through events that encourage people to buy local. Entrepreneurs now have training and resources available to help them start and grow businesses, which has helped create new jobs. This growth has made Tarnów’s economy stronger and more appealing to outside investors.
Local Government Employees
With better training and new management systems, city employees now work more efficiently. They feel more supported in their roles, and the improved transparency in government operations has increased residents’ trust in the city’s management. Employees are also able to serve residents more effectively, making local government more reliable and approachable.
Cultural Enthusiasts
Those who enjoy arts, culture, and social gatherings had more events and public spaces to enjoy. New activities and art installations have made the city feel more lively and engaging, which has brought new energy to Tarnów’s cultural life. The city center, in particular, has become a hub for community activities and events. The actions taken improved quality of life and a stronger sense of identity and pride in Tarnów as a culturally rich, engaging place to live, especially for young people and families delivering for this group more entertainment options and community activities, increasing the city’s attractiveness as a place to live and socialize.
The City Government
The new training and systems have made city administration more organized and effective. Through regular checks and evaluations, city leaders can now manage projects better, stay focused on goals, and make adjustments when needed. This has built a strong foundation for future projects, which helps Tarnów continue to grow and improve.
Summing up the main benefits for beneficiaries”
Residents benefited from enhanced civic engagement, improved public services, increased environmental quality, and a revitalized cultural scene, fostering a higher quality of life.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs enjoyed stronger economic support, new business opportunities, and local consumer loyalty initiatives that promoted economic resilience.
Public sector employees gained from improved working conditions, training, and professional development, which increased their efficiency and job satisfaction.
Young people and families experienced better educational, recreational, and cultural offerings, making Tarnów a more appealing place for them to live and thrive.
The city administration achieved improved governance, transparency, and accountability, enhancing Tarnów’s appeal for both internal and external stakeholders.