FABRIK SPACE - open zone for communities and civic participation

Description

In Košice (eastern region of Slovakia), there is a lack of systemic support for non-governmental organizations, informal community groups and individuals who strive to promote contemporary culture, develop the community and initiate social change. The fact that throughout the year Tabačka Kulturfabrik is contacted by about 15 - 20% of new - potential representatives of initiatives coming up with various initiatives for cooperation, is perceived very positively. The Tabačka´s ambition is to provide them as much meaningful support as possible. However, this ambition is difficult to fulfil due to the lack of suitable premises, human and financial resources.

Therefore, the project implementers, through the implementation of this project and its activities, decided to improve and develop the activities aimed at active citizens. Strengthen the position of the Kulturfabrik in the area of ​​support and development of diverse communities, civic active individuals, young people, informal groups and associations, or non-profit organizations.

The aim of the project is in the cultural centre, Tabačka Kulturfabrik, create a new project FABRIK SPACE, which will be an open zone for support and development of diverse communities with an emphasis on vulnerable groups, and civic participation. The project aims to start its own educational and community activities, supporting events and activities with existing partner organisations. An important task is also the modification of the hitherto unreconstructed premises of the cultural centre and creation of a background for the activities of active citizens and groups.

The project will primarily benefit local communities, non-governmental non-profit organizations, citizens, vulnerable groups in the form of gaining space for their activities and implementation.

Summary of project results

The project implementers perceive the project as a positive and important change in the functioning and construction of the TABAČKA KULTURFABRIK center. The reconstruction of the Fabrik Café (now Fabrik Space) was a major milestone. The project not only reconstructed the space but also created 3 pillars of the new Space Factory - Open Area, Community Club and Experience & Creative Lab, which will determine the further direction of the organization and support civil society, creative industries and the arts and improve the quality of life. For almost the entire duration of the project, the organization operated in a limited mode due to the pandemic, facing challenges and problems, both internal and external.Through the project, we managed to create a background for various groups of people in Košice. Thanks to the project and reconstruction, the project implementers were able to organize a number of discussion formats, community and club events, workshops or film screenings, even if only in limited numbers. It has succeeded in expanding the target groups that can be realized and grown (for example, disadvantaged communities that the organization seeks to actively involve in its activities). We have succeeded in finding new active individuals, community leaders and thus expanding the network of active people who are extremely important for the whole of civil society.