Croatia
Zagreb Innovation Node brought together a diverse group of cultural actors, including city representatives, reflecting the city's unique political context where former independent cultural workers now hold positions in the administration. This situation has fostered a deep understanding of the independent scene's needs but also created high expectations for systemic change. Discussions focused on the pressing need for more diverse and well-maintained cultural spaces, decentralization of cultural activities, and transparent management of space allocation. Participants emphasized the precarious working conditions within the independent sector and the lack of collaboration between independent and institutional scenes. Recommendations included developing an inventory of available spaces, establishing transparent guidelines for space allocation, fostering collaboration between sectors, and improving working conditions for cultural workers. Rijeka Innovation Node, lacking institutional representation, concentrated on the challenges facing the independent cultural scene. Participants identified the devaluation of culture in society, exacerbated by the city's focus on economic development after its European Capital of Culture designation. They also discussed the lack of a clear cultural strategy, limited access to suitable spaces, and minimal dialogue with city authorities. The group expressed concern about the global trend of prioritizing economic sustainability over the intrinsic value of culture. Recommendations included advocating for the intrinsic value of culture, improving working conditions, facilitating knowledge transfer, fostering collaborations with institutions, and exploring civil-public partnerships. The Split Innovation Node, held at Dom mladih, was dominated by concerns about the city's renovation plans, which generated mistrust and anxiety among independent organizations. Participants criticized the lack of consultation in space allocation and the city's focus on tourism over cultural development. Recommendations included affirming the value of culture, improving communication with the city, upgrading policy implementation, fostering collaboration between sectors, and establishing a representative platform for the independent cultural scene.
Slovenia
Maribor workshop in Slovenia centered on the challenges of accessing and managing cultural spaces, with participants highlighting systemic dysfunctions and the precarity of the cultural sector. Discussions focused on the instability created by political cycles affecting public spaces, the lack of awareness among space owners regarding the needs of the cultural sector, and difficulties in accessing funding. Participants also explored the impact of terminology related to space ownership and usage, and the tension between developing cultural infrastructure and building the capacity of cultural workers to utilize existing spaces effectively. The concept of a shift towards a "culture of mobility" among younger artists was introduced, suggesting a move away from large, long-term cultural centers. Ljubljana workshop explored similar themes, focusing on the accessibility of spaces owned by authorities, the impact of squatting, and the feeling of loneliness and exhaustion among cultural workers. Participants discussed the underutilization of existing infrastructure, the lack of production spaces, and the precariousness of squatting as a means of securing space. Recommendations included creating a centralized platform for available spaces, integrating cultural spaces into urban planning, and building stronger relationships with political figures. Koper's workshop shifted the focus to the local community and its relationship with the municipality and historical context. Participants discussed the decline in youth engagement, the impact of historical shifts on local identity, and the challenges of preserving cultural heritage. Recommendations emphasized community involvement in repurposing public spaces, anthropological research to understand local values, and a more integrative approach by the municipality.
Kosovo
Kosovo Innovation Node workshops in Prizren, Pristina, and Peja explored the challenges and opportunities facing the cultural sector, particularly regarding public and cultural spaces. In Prizren, the focus was on financial instability, limited professional development, and the lack of cohesive cultural policies, alongside a disconnect between institutions and the younger generation. Participants recommended sustainable funding, collaborative networks, and inclusive policy frameworks. Prishtina workshop highlighted ambiguous public space usage, financial precarity, inclusivity and transparency issues, and governance challenges. Recommendations included reimagining public spaces as accessible commons, diversifying funding, and strengthening governance. Peja workshop emphasized the lack of interaction between institutions and the community, underutilized spaces, and budget constraints. Participants called for stronger community engagement, repurposing underutilized spaces, inclusive programming, enhanced transparency, and collaboration. A key vision emerging from the Peja workshop was the creation of a multi-purpose cultural center. Across all three cities, common themes included the need for greater community involvement, improved funding mechanisms, increased transparency and inclusivity, and stronger collaboration among cultural stakeholders.