The European Community Award “Co-Create and Comprehend”, an initiative by the “Magic Carpets” platform, celebrates the transformative power of collaboration and cultural engagement within local communities across Europe. This award encourages active participation of communities in the cultural sphere while ensuring the legacy and continuity of the “Magic Carpets” platform. Local communities are selected and awarded based on their overall impact on local culture, social environment and their collective efforts to bring about positive change.
The “Magic Carpets” platform members and partners came together to nominate and vote for the local communities that made significant contributions to various cultural projects in 2024. These communities were recognised with monetary awards totalling €5,000, serving not only as a reward but also as encouragement for ongoing creativity, dialogue and collaboration.
The awardees for the European Community Award “Co-Create and Comprehend” include: the community of Novo Naselje artists (nominated by Novo Kulturno Naselje, Serbia); the residents of Čazmanska 2 and 4 skyscrapers in Zagreb (nominated by Lab 852, Croatia); NGO Family Centre “Būkime kartu” (Let’s Be Together) (nominated by Kaunas Biennial, Lithuania); Örebro Tjejjour (nominated by OpenArt, Sweden); the local community of Bridge Players (nominated by Wrocław Institute of Culture, Poland); Spes Contra Spem Family House – L’Approdo (nominated by Latitudo, Italy); and NGO “Cerības pakāpiens” (Step of Hope) (nominated by New Theatre Institute of Latvia, Latvia).
Bringing Neighbours Together
In Kaunas, Lithuania, NGO Family Centre “Būkime kartu” has long been dedicated to strengthening families and minimising social exclusion by offering comprehensive assistance to individuals experiencing various difficulties. The centre’s work focuses on assisting young or single parents and helping unemployed persons find employment. In 2024, Lithuanian sound artist Ugnė Makselytė and Swedish textile artist Felicia Hansen were invited to collaborate with the Dainava district community on co-creative activities, bringing together both long-term community members and newcomers. Inga Bradūnienė, head of the centre, reflected: “Though the project did not end long ago, the community members are already asking about future activities. They are eager to continue participating and are grateful for the opportunity to engage creatively.”
Similarly, in Seda, Latvia, the NGO “Cerības pakāpiens” works to bridge the gap in a diverse community by organising various events and activities. Through the “Neighbour from the Yellow House: Stories from Seda” initiative the residents were able to build new friendships and strengthen community bonds, fostering a renewed sense of community through the shared creative process. The project brought together Latvian playwright Elza Marta Ruža and Portuguese visual and theatre artist Max Fernandes Oliveira, with dramaturg assistant and translator Jānis Golubev, who helped participants rediscover their unique identity and the power of collective action.
In Zagreb, Croatia, the residents of Čazmanska 2 and 4 skyscrapers – comprising jazz musicians, opera singers, war journalists, painters, and many others – took part in the “Magic Carpets” project “Street Karma”. The initiative, led by Alina Manolache (Romania), Sara Renar, and Pavica Knezović Belan, in collaboration with Yammat.fm, explored and celebrated the diverse stories of this unique community, blending music and visual arts to create something lasting and meaningful.
Supporting Active Youth
In Rome, Italy, since 1991 Spes contra Spem has been providing vital support to vulnerable individuals, striving for a world where no one is left alone. Over the years, the organisation has established four family homes: CasaBlu, CasaSalvatore, L’Approdo, and Semi di autonomia. The “Belonging Project (Crossing the Dragon)” was developed in collaboration with the local artistic duo UCCI UCCI (Gloria Zeppilli and Salvatore Crucitti) and Lithuanian artist Ilona Miknevičiūtė. The project focused on allowing young people to explore new media and creative expression, combining their enthusiasm with innovative artistic techniques. As curator Paola Farfaglio noted: “It was the perfect opportunity to merge their curiosity and passion with the innovative potential of art and new technology to create something extraordinary that reflected their voices and creativity.”
In Sweden, Örebro Tjejjour, a non-profit organisation providing support to anyone who identifies as a female, including transgender individuals, collaborated with Ukrainian artist Viktoriia Tofan. Over a four-week residency, Tofan explored public spaces with a group of females and non-binary youth, asking them to reflect on what constitutes a safe place and what helps them feel secure in public spaces. Sandra Söderquist, coordinator at Örebro Tjejjour, emphasised: “Our goal is to create a safe place for anyone in need of support, and the “Magic Carpets” project gave us an opportunity to do just that, bringing new perspectives and creative energy.”
Celebrating Community Connections
In Novo Naselje, Serbia, the “Magic Carpets” platform has helped preserve and celebrate the artistic legacy of this vibrant district. Over the past 7 years, the community has nurtured generations of artists, from actors, writers, composers, and musicians in the 1980s, to punk and alternative rock band members in the 1990s, and activists and practitioners of various artistic disciplines in the 2000s. The “Lexicon of Artists of Novo Naselje” project highlighted this rich cultural history and how their collective work is woven into the fabric of the city. The project also provided a platform for these artists to connect with broader European artistic trends, strengthening their role in shaping the cultural narrative of the area.
In Wrocław, Poland, a local community of bridge players collaborated with “Magic Carpets” artists Marcin Dominiak and Maciej Kowalczyk to create an experimental film Rozgrywka (“Gameplay”). The project juxtaposed the mathematical rules of bridge with magical, almost surreal card narration and explored the community’s shared memories, fostering an exchange between the artists and the bridge players. The result was a unique blend of art, community, and personal history.
A Vision for the Future
The 2024 European Community Award “CO-CREATE AND COMPREHEND” highlights the enduring value of creative collaboration in strengthening local communities. By supporting projects that bring people together and spark lasting change, the “Magic Carpets” platform continues to ensure that the spirit of cultural exchange thrives across Europe, creating a legacy that will resonate for generations.
“Magic Carpets” is a Creative Europe platform, uniting 20 partners (14 active members and 2 partners for the 2022–2025 period), funded by the European Union.