As public spaces become increasingly commercialized or closed off, civil society initiatives – from community centers and cultural cooperatives to grassroots organizations – become essential infrastructures for community and local democracy.
The evening begins with a lecture by Elof Hellström, an artist, educator and organizer with extensive experience from initiatives including Hägerstens medborgarhus and Cyklopen. He will explore questions of collective organizing, spatial justice and the aesthetics and pedagogy of organizing.
This will be followed by a discussion with local actors and organizers, including invited guests from Röda Oasen, Backa Kåken, Black Sweden Archives, ACAN, PLX, Ljudgården, Egnahemsfabriken, NGBG and KB-huset, among others. The conversation will focus on experiences, challenges and strategies for creating and preserving democratic spaces in Malmö and across Sweden.
PROGRAM
17:00–17:10 | Welcome and Introduction
A brief introduction to the exhibition Imperfect Assemblies and the process of shaping spaces for meetings, dialogue, and organizing. (Angelica Åkerman, architect)
17:10–18:00 | Lecture by Elof Hellström
On collective organizing, spatial justice, and the aesthetics and pedagogy of organizing. Drawing on extensive experience from initiatives including Hägerstens medborgarhus and Cyklopen, Elof Hellström explores questions of collective organizing, spatial justice, and the aesthetics and pedagogy of organizing.
18:00–18:10 | Break
18:10–19:00 | Discussion and Exchange of Experiences
A discussion exploring local experiences, strategies, and conditions for creating and sustaining democratic spaces. Invited guests include Röda Oasen, Ljudgården, PLX, Backa kåken, Egnahemsfabriken, and others.
19:00–20:00 | Mingling and Refreshments