A Warm Welcome & Setting the Tone
The meeting opened at Bielsko‑Biała City Hall, where local hosts, the Mayor, and representatives of the National URBACT Point welcomed partners and set a collaborative tone for the days ahead. Lead Partner Újbuda and Lead Expert Elisa Filippi then introduced the agenda, followed by a lively ice‑breaker that brought participants into an energised working mood.
Elisa offered a powerful recap of RECUP’s two‑year journey—from understanding Újbuda’s good practice to adapting and now preparing for long‑term reuse across partner cities. Key priorities were highlighted:
- Strengthening the logic of Investment/Continuity Plans
- Expanding local ecosystems and stakeholder ownership
- Making plans implementable with strong governance, monitoring, and funding strategies
With two CNMs left (Dubrovnik and Amersfoort), the network is entering the final stage of fine‑tuning IPs and securing long‑term sustainability.
Peer Review Through Personas: Seeing Cities Through New Eyes
One of the most engaging activities of Day 1 was the Persona-based Peer Review exercise, where participants stepped into the role of realistic citizens affected by cultural policies—young artists, parents, seniors, newcomers, etc.
Each partner pitched their Investment Plan, while others posed in‑character questions to stress‑test the clarity, inclusivity, and feasibility of the proposed actions. This creative format opened space for empathy‑based insights and generated actionable feedback for each city.
Exploring Bielsko-Biała’s Senior Centre: Active Ageing in Action
In the afternoon, the group visited the beautifully revitalised Senior Centre, housed in a former textile factory. This municipal hub is a powerful example of how cities can reuse industrial heritage for social wellbeing.
Partners learned about:
- creative and educational programmes for active ageing
- community gardening as a tool for inclusion and outdoor engagement
- exhibitions showcasing seniors’ artistic work
- the role of small-scale, community-rooted initiatives in reducing loneliness
The visit highlighted how cultural participation can meaningfully improve the lives of older residents.
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Day 2: Understanding Loneliness — A Deep Dive with URBACT Ad-hoc expert
Day 2 began at Point 11, a community cultural space, with a thought‑provoking workshop led by Christophe Gouache from the URBACT AHE network.
The session unpacked:
- the nuanced differences between social isolation and loneliness
- individual, local, and macro-level risk factors
- psychological barriers often overlooked by policymakers
- the importance of quality social interactions over quantity
Through compelling personas and reflective group work, participants explored how cultural initiatives can support connection and resilience.
An Immersive Study Visit: Culture, Heritage & Community in Motion
The heart of the meeting was a rich, multi-stop study visit through Bielsko‑Biała’s cultural ecosystem:
Point 11 — a youth‑driven cultural incubator
A creative space for exhibitions, debates, and civic engagement.
Bielsko Cultural Centre (BCK)
A major cultural institution shaping the city's artistic scene with concerts, festivals, and community events.
Bielska Gallery BWA & Aquarium Cultural Space
Contemporary art, inclusive cultural programming, and human-rights documentary screenings.
Banialuka Puppet Theatre
One of Poland’s most prestigious puppet theatres, known for innovation and socially engaged performances.
Mosaic near Kubiszówka Cultural Centre
A participatory public-art project symbolising shared community values.
Beskidzka Library (Książnica Beskidzka)
A modern library blending education, bibliotherapy, youth spaces, and over 2,000 cultural events annually.
Street art walk with curator Justyna W. Łabądź
An introduction to how murals and public art transform the city's visual identity.
OKO Cinema & Animated Film Studio
A look at Bielsko-Biała’s rich animation heritage and contemporary film culture.
Jewish Cemetery
A moving journey through history, remembrance, and artistic interpretation, including a mindfulness activity in the “Secret Garden.”
Szyndzielnia Cable Car & Mountain Area
A breathtaking example of nature, culture, and community intersecting, with panoramic mountain views and a historic cultural venue at the top.
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Urban Game: Following the Whisperers — The Trail of Slavic Demons
The meeting concluded with a playful and imaginative urban game led by local street artist Malik. Through myths, digital clues, and storytelling, participants explored hidden corners of the city—an inspiring example of how gamification and art can activate public spaces and build emotional connection to place.
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A Meeting of Insights, Inspiration & Community
The 4th RECUP Core Network Meeting in Bielsko‑Biała was more than a gathering—it was an experience of culture in motion. Partners left with strengthened plans, new perspectives on loneliness and community, and a deeper understanding of how urban culture can transform everyday life.
With two more CNMs ahead and final IPs on the horizon, RECUP continues its shared European journey toward reimagining culture in urban places—together.