The ECLECTIS final event, held in Brussels on December 11th, aimed to overview
projects results, final recommendations and how this initiative succeeded in setting up
laboratories for artistic and citizens’ experimentations. This project proved that it is possible
to encourage creativity though labs and participatory events, but also to help
people enjoy the public space though experimentations. Citizens were stimulated to drive
local change through their ideas and contribution in a number of European cities.
Contributions from project partners helped explain how citizens were empowered
in different European areas through a number of participatory activities.
Alenka Korenjak from Slovenia for instance introduced a number of urban regeneration
projects they have made locally, working close to inhabitants with initiatives like “library
under the trees”, “sharing toys”, “vintage sale” and more. She showed that citizens are now keen
to stroll around a park that was considered as very dangerous before. This happened thanks
to the initiatives organised in the park.
WAAG Society was represented by Karien Vermeulen who stressed how the project created mental
and physical spaces for dialogue. The artistic approach towards empowered helped look at
citizen involvement with new lenses.
Then, a round table with representatives from the European Parliament (Julie Ward), the European
Commission (Corinne Hermant de Callatay, DG REGIO and Sylvain Pasqua, DG EAC), , Eurocities,
Ile-de-France Europe and Culture Action Europe allowed delving into ECLECTIS political recommendations
and their focus on citizen’s empowerment and the re-appropriation of public space.
Eager to know more? Read the absorbing publication “A contribution from Cultural and
Creative actors to citizens’ empowerment” and its final recommendations now available on
