UNFOLD
The project
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Unfold – Reimagining Public Space Through Art and Community
In a time of growing societal polarization and uncertainty, exacerbated by the aftermath of the pandemic, Unfold was born out of a need to reconnect communities and cultivate cultural participation in innovative ways. Many people remain disconnected from artistic and cultural experiences, yet shared public spaces offer a powerful arena for fostering engagement, dialogue, and collective expression. Unfold is a collaborative project bringing together partners from Serbia, Portugal, and Greece—three organizations with rich artistic experience in working with marginalized communities and engaging in public space interventions. With a commitment to inclusivity and creative exploration, the project seeks to redefine public space as a platform for cultural participation—one that welcomes diverse voices, strengthens social bonds, and inspires new ways of experiencing art.
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Artist-in-residence program
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At the heart of Unfold is an artist-in-residence program, where 12 selected artists (four from each country) will embark on immersive residencies in local communities on the periphery. By engaging with these communities, exploring cultural nuances, and experimenting with participatory formats, the artists will develop fresh, dynamic approaches to audience engagement and the revitalization of public spaces as hubs for connection and exchange. Beyond artistic interventions, Unfold aims to foster long-term impact. A key outcome of the project is the creation of a comprehensive handbook designed to serve as a resource for cultural practitioners, policymakers, and even those outside the cultural sector. This guide will explore innovative methods for activating public spaces through artistic and community-driven initiatives, offering practical tools and insights for making cultural participation more inclusive and accessible. By building a cross-border network of artists, cultural workers, and community leaders—alongside actors from the public and business sectors who are not typically engaged in cultural practices—Unfold aspires to spark new collaborations, amplify voices working at the intersection of culture and social change, and ultimately reshape the way we experience and interact with public space.
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Our Vision
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Our goals
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- Bring together the artistic community around the theme of creatively reimagining public spaces, transforming them into vibrant gathering points.
- Promote art and culture in public spaces as powerful tools for social change and dialogue, engaging even non-cultural stakeholders in conversations that matter to the community.
- Document best practices while testing and refining new formats for utilizing public spaces in innovative ways.
- Highlight and support artists who boldly integrate public spaces into their creative practices.
- Deliver unique and authentic artistic programs to neighborhoods and forgotten corners of the city, bringing art to unexpected places.
- Create unforgettable experiences for audiences with limited cultural exposure, fostering a deeper connection to art and culture.
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Open new pathways for collaboration and future projects, strengthening the intersection between art, community, and urban spaces.
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The project is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the organization „Klara i Rosa“ (Serbia), „Iminente“ (Portugal), and „Balkan Beyond Borders“ (Greece). The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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