We are living and working in an increasingly complex environment. Across Europe and its neighbouring countries, more and more people are confronted with discrimination and exclusion on a daily basis – whether economically, politically or culturally. As a result, societies are becoming more and more fragmented, extremism is on the rise, and the divisions between people – and between individuals and institutions – are growing ever wider.
 
Foto de Julio Albarrán - CC BY NC SA
Migration, distrust towards traditional institutions and the widening gap between the idea of a democratic Europe and the reality of a divided continent are among the biggest challenges that we are facing at present. These challenges are not new, but they have reached a degree that directly affects existing systems and policies, both at national and European levels.
 
Entitled “Moving Communities”, the European Cultural Foundation’s (ECF) third edition will focus on the current positive, radical resistance movements that are daring to counteract anti-democratic practices. Co-hosted by Platoniq, the Idea Camp will take place in Spain from 1 to 3 March 2017 and will bring together 50 participants whose emerging, groundbreaking ideas demonstrate a firm desire to contribute to fostering political imagination, building bridges and effectively contributing to the development of a society with a stronger sense of social justice. Based on the values of sharing, inclusion and openness, the Idea Camp offers Idea Makers a unique opportunity to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and with different visions from across Europe and its neighbouring countries.
 
Foto de Julio Albarrán - CC BY NC SA
Following the Call for Ideas, 50 participants are selected according to the guidelines. ECF will cover travel costs and all expenses related to the stay in Spain during the Idea Camp for a maximum of one representative for each idea. After the Idea Camp, participants will be invited to submit a concrete plan for further research or investigation of their ideas. A total of 25 proposals will be selected and consequently awarded an R&D Grant, up to a maximum of €10,000 each.
 
Initiated in 2014, the Idea Camp is organised within the framework of Connected Action for the Commons, an action and research programme facilitated by the ECF together with six cultural hubs from all over Europe: Culture 2 Commons (Croatia); Les Têtes de l’Art (France); Krytyka Polityczna (Poland); Oberliht (Moldova); Platoniq - Goteo (Spain); and Subtopia (Sweden). 
 
 
Please submit an idea that fosters the Europe we believe in: a Europe of solidarity and openness shaped and nurtured by people
 
Pics by Julio Albarrán - CC BY NC SA