Bielsko-Biała in the RECUP project: REinventing Culture in Urban Places
Together against digital loneliness
The City of Bielsko-Biała has joined the international project RECUP REinventing Culture in Urban Places implemented within the URBACT IV programme.
The project aims to strengthen local communities through the use of culture and creativity. The project, led by the Újbuda district of Budapest, builds on the experience of an earlier project, CUP 4 Creativity, which successfully tackled digital loneliness and weakened social connections.
The project involves other European cities learning together how to implement innovative solutions at a local level. Those are as follows:
- Újbuda, a district of Budapest (Hungary),
- Dubrovnik (Croatia),
- la Mancomunidad de l'Horta Nord (Spain),
- Amersfoort (Netherlands),
- Sandyford (Ireland).
Digital loneliness and the weakening of local social bonds
Digital loneliness, one of the key problems in modern societies, is a phenomenon in which people are replacing real social relationships with digital communication, leading to isolation and the breakdown of local bonds. Social media and digital applications, while facilitating global connections, often work for commercial gain while undermining real human relationships.
As many as 7% of European adults experience loneliness, according to a 2018 European Commission report. This phenomenon particularly affects urban dwellers, including in countries such as Hungary, where the problem is particularly prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the scale of digital loneliness, which has contributed to the weakening of social ties and local communities.
At the same time, culture and creativity have great potential to build mental health and rebuild social connections. Creative activities not only foster integration and community, but also allow for better economic and social development. Unfortunately, lack of access to the right tools, spaces and inspiration means that the potential for creativity in many people remains untapped.
Aims and activities of the RECUP project
The RECUP project, which aims to rebuild local bonds through culture and creativity, has responded to these challenges. Its key elements are:
- Using technology and culture to strengthen local communities - RECUP was inspired by innovations implemented in Budapest, such as the Adaptér knowledge centre, which combines modern technology with culture.
- Involving residents in grassroots activities - the project supports local initiatives and events to activate residents and create community.
- Building a creative ecosystem - project partners exchange experiences and good practices to develop an environment conducive to culture and creativity.
Within RECUP, activities focus on engaging residents in various forms of creativity to forge new relationships, strengthen local communities and combat isolation. One of the aims is also to support the creative and cultural industries sector, which can drive the development of local economies.
What stage of implementation are we at?
The international meeting of project partners held in Budapest is behind us. It was an opportunity to exchange experiences and plan joint activities and to get to know each other's partners. Currently, Bielsko-Biała is in the process of creating a Local URBACT Group, which will bring together representatives of residents, NGOs, entrepreneurs, cultural institutions and city authorities. This group will be a key element of the project activities, working on the creation of a Local Action Plan, i.e. a strategy integrating activities related to culture, creativity and community building.
What lies ahead?
In December, Bielsko-Biała will be visited by project experts who will meet with the city authorities and local stakeholders. Workshops and meetings will help identify local needs and develop practical solutions to foster creative communities.
Why ReCUP?
The RECUP project REinventing Culture in Urban Places is a response to the challenges of modern cities, such as digital loneliness, social isolation and lack of integration of local communities. The project combines the potential of culture and creativity with modern technologies, offering residents alternatives to the passive consumption of digital content. Working together, the project aims to create a more integrated, open and creative environment in Bielsko-Biała, which will benefit both residents and the city as a whole.
By participating in the URBACT programme and working with European partners, Bielsko-Biała has the opportunity to become a leader in creating sustainable, creative and resilient urban communities.
Project co-financed by the European Union from the funds of the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the period 2021-2027
as part of the URBACT IV Programme.
Total Project Value: EUR 550 000
EU Funding: EUR 382 527
Grant Value: EUR 70 970,03
