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Description
Kósy Kino it''s project between three partners Bio Paradís (Reykjavik, Iceland) Tou Scene (Stavanger, Norway) and Cinefil (Kosice, Slovakia). The main idea behind the project is about developing our professional skills and enlarging our possibilities to become more open, more inclusive for wider audiences and participants of our programs in Slovakia, but also in both of our partners countries. In Eastern Slovakia, we are currently facing a large problems including hate speech, intolerance, racism and xenophobia. We would like to improve this situation with activities and knowladge involved in this project. Our core themes are:- mutual learning
- inclusive education
- cultural exchange
- audience development (especially for minority groups)
Summary of project results
The CLT02016 project brought together cultural organizations from Slovakia, Iceland, and Norway to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and openness to diverse audiences. Addressing Slovakia’s rising social intolerance, the project used art and culture to promote unity and build bridges across communities. By sharing expertise, Norwegian partners contributed sustainable cultural practices, Icelandic partners introduced innovative community programming, and Slovak partners adapted these methods to address local challenges.
Key activities included intercultural workshops, artist residencies, and public events designed to engage marginalized groups and amplify diverse voices. These efforts created platforms for dialogue, strengthened community ties, and highlighted the role of culture in driving social change. A focus on inclusivity allowed the project to successfully engage underrepresented groups, such as the Roma community, and provided tools for cultural organizations to sustain and expand these efforts.
Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the project demonstrated the transformative power of art and culture in addressing societal challenges, promoting tolerance, and fostering unity in Slovakia and beyond.
The project executed a comprehensive range of activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the cultural and creative sectors. Key initiatives included:
- Inclusive Film Screenings: These screenings were specifically designed to meet the needs of various marginalized groups, including blind-friendly, deaf-friendly, autism-friendly, dementia-friendly, senior-friendly, and baby-friendly cycles. Throughout the project, we successfully welcomed over 5,874 viewers, fostering a more inclusive cinematic experience.
- Inclusive Film Workshops: A total of 11 workshops were conducted, covering diverse topics such as screenwriting, vlogging, abstract art, and both film and animation. These workshops brought together children from marginalized backgrounds and those with privileged social identities to collaborate on shared artistic projects, effectively bridging differences and promoting understanding and tolerance.
- Cultural Residencies: Kino Úsmev in Košice hosted three cultural professionals from Norway and four film directors from Iceland, while Tou Scene welcomed three Slovak cultural professionals to Stavanger. These residencies proved to be an effective means of supporting artists and building strategic partnerships. The outcomes included a collection of poems, foundational work for dance choreography, performances, and workshops.
- Masterclasses: The project featured seven Icelandic film professionals who conducted masterclasses and showcased their films, significantly enhancing awareness of Icelandic cinematography in Slovakia.
- Slovak-Icelandic Film Festival: Kino Úsmev organized a series of screenings tailored to the Slovak audience''s interest in Icelandic cinema. Additionally, five successful Slovak films were presented in Iceland as part of the Stockfish Film Festival, accompanied by a delegation of Slovak film professionals.
Through these diverse activities, the project not only enriched the cultural landscape but also fostered connections between different communities and enhanced appreciation for artistic expression across borders.
The project achieved significant outcomes that positively impacted a diverse range of beneficiaries:
• Increased Awareness and Engagement: The workshops and inclusive film screenings heightened awareness of the importance of accessibility in film experiences. This initiative contributed to the development of a more sensitive and tolerant community in all participating countries.
• Cultural Exchange: By facilitating knowledge exchange among cultural organizations and professionals from Slovakia, Norway, and Iceland, the project strengthened bilateral cooperation within the cultural and creative industries, enriching the artistic landscape across borders.
• Community Building: The inclusive film screenings and workshops created meaningful connections between individuals with marginalized social identities and those with privileged backgrounds. This dual approach not only improved access to cultural experiences for marginalized groups but also fostered greater awareness and tolerance among the general population.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations significantly enhanced outreach efforts. This strategy was crucial in spreading awareness about inclusivity within the sector, inspiring numerous other organizations in Slovakia to embark on similar journeys toward greater accessibility and engagement.
Through these outcomes, the project not only advanced inclusivity but also laid the groundwork for ongoing cultural dialogue and collaboration.
Summary of bilateral results
The CLT02016 project benefited significantly from its donor project partners in Iceland and Norway, whose expertise in sustainable cultural practices and community-driven programming enriched the project’s design and implementation. Icelandic partners introduced innovative approaches to film and multimedia engagement, while Norwegian partners shared strategies for inclusive and environmentally conscious event management, both of which were adapted to Slovak needs.Bilateral collaboration fostered mutual learning through artist residencies, intercultural workshops, and public events, promoting tolerance and cultural unity. These exchanges strengthened relationships and established a knowledge-sharing platform to ensure sustainability. Plans for continued cooperation include further knowledge exchange, joint programming, and exploring future funding opportunities to expand the partnership’s impact.