Something’s cooking in the Serbian pot…
The next pilot action is coming from the Novi Sad-based Dom b612, a non-profit, student led, “DIY” and volunteer work-based organisation, created by a group of 20 year olds in 2015. Their aim is to provide a space, both physical and virtual, in which people, creatives, artists and activists can create and exhibit their work, as well as meet, talk and share ideas whilst spending time together. They organize concerts, jam sessions, exhibitions, plays, film festivals and much more.
Their aim with the pilot action is to create a publication about DOs and DON’Ts when starting and managing a non-profit, NGO youth cultural centre. This publication will be written by members of the organization as well as outer participants (volunteers), selected with a call, after a period of co-ideation and capacity building training. Volunteers will be able to share their ideas, as well as learn from Dom b612 about all sides of running a youth cultural centre. This would imply day to day responsibilities, admin, event production etc.
“Since there are not enough resources for information on how to create an organization and run a cultural centre” – says Marina Ivancev, one of Dom b612 co-owners -“with TrainArt we want to finance a new method of running our cultural centre: provide the opportunity for Novi Sad young citizens to learn from peers how to exploit their potential”.
“There is a huge need for new spaces and collectives with new and innovative ideas to add to this town’s cultural scene. Our pilot action idea is focused on capacity building activities for individuals and non-formal collectives, but also for already-existing organizations struggling with day to day activities within their own collectives. Our goal is to provide young people with direct experience of running an organization, in order to give them the tools needed to create something on their own”.
22 applicants have been accepted to start the capacity building path with Dom b612. The activities are starting in early March.
Desired outcome
By implementing the project described, Dom b612 aims to involve the participants as members of their organization or, given the knowledge they acquired, to spark a passion that will drive them to start their own organizations and initiatives. Either way, at least one youth cultural centre will prosper thanks to the volunteers’ enthusiasm and active participation in this project.
Furthermore, using the publication developed together will make sure that many more people will be equipped with the needed information to start working on their own ideas and initiatives.
A cultural centre should be a space that lives and breathes, that is filled with people, that is open, that is free…
– Marina Ivancev, Dom b612
If you are interested in their work and want to know more, you can follow their Facebook page.
Did you miss the previous pilot actions? Click on the links to read about PLAYLIST and VIDEO BOX.
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