City makers for a diverse future – strategies for actively shaping democratic spaces

Following the first event “Stadtmacher*innen gegen Rechts”, we would like to continue and deepen the dialog. The event is intended to provide a space to reflect together on concrete strategies to actively contribute as urban practitioners to strengthening democratic, accessible and diverse urban spaces. The focus will be on proactive approaches and the long-term anchoring of democratic principles in urban practice. The aim is to provide participants with practical tools and methods that they can use in their work to actively promote an open society.

In the upcoming workshops on 28.11.2024, we will offer participants concrete opportunities for action that can be implemented directly in practice as urban practitioners. The aim is to exchange knowledge, learn practical tools and strengthen each other. This new workshop block builds on the last event, but expands the focus: we are looking at the proactive design and preservation of democratic and solidary urban spaces.

The event is aimed at urban practitioners, city makers, activists, artists, architects, urban planners, representatives of civil society organizations and anyone else interested in the question of how urban spaces can be actively co-designed and maintained in a spirit of solidarity.

Program schedule

13:30 – 14:00: Arrival
Reception of participants, welcome drinks and informal get-together.

14:00 – 14:15: Welcome & introduction by the team
Welcome words by the organizers and introduction to the topic of the event.

14:15 – 14:30: Activation & reflection
Introduction to the topic through an interactive warm-up that invites participants to share their experiences and perspectives.

14:30 – 14:45: Break

14:45 – 15:45: Workshop-Session

Workshop 1: Acting together: Urban practice and the empowerment of marginalized groups – with art by Kunst junger Muslim*innen
The workshop aims to highlight the importance of supporting projects and initiatives from marginalized groups in urban practice and to emphasize that it is precisely these groups that are most affected by the dangers of the shift to the right. Through practical exercises and discussions, participants will learn how they, as actors in urban practice, can form alliances in solidarity and actively support projects from marginalized groups. An initiative from a marginalized group will lead the workshop and share their experiences, challenges and strategies.

Workshop 2: Solidarity-based urban practice – shaping the city together – with Laura Awad
Participants should be sensitized to solidarity-based urban practice, get to know new perspectives and develop possibilities for action together. The aim is to create space to reflect on power structures, privileges and discrimination in urban design and to actively develop ideas for inclusive urban development.

15:45 – 16:00: Break
Short recovery break.

16:00 – 17:00: Continue with the workshop

17:00 – 17:10: Break
Short recovery break.

17:10 – 17:40: Presentation of results & open discussion
Short presentation of the results from the workshops, followed by an open discussion in plenary. How can we put the approaches developed into practice?

17:40 – 17:50: Break
Short recovery break.

17:50 – 18:50: Creating alliances – networking and solidarity between actors in urban practice
Focus on the formation of networks and cooperation between urban practitioners in order to take stronger joint action against right-wing movements.

18:50 – 19:00: Feedback & conclusion
Reflection on the event through feedback rounds. Closing words and farewell.