Why do we need ULGs?
The involvement of local opinion leaders/influencers is a very important part of the RECUP project. A lack of critical mass of users and local stakeholders can risk the success of the project. The best way to reach the local residents and a wider audience is through community leaders and key characters.
What are ULGs?
One of the key elements of the RECUP project is the establishement of the so called ULGs– URBACT Local Groups.
Every Project Partner has the responsibility to find the „doers” in ther city and community and carefully select tight-knit group of relevant cultural stakeholders and local citizens to be engaged throughout the entire process of the project. This group provides the basis to generate and populate a continuous pipeline of initiatives.
How do ULGs work and how do they contribute to the project?
Throughout the project, every partner has regular meetings with their ULGs to make sure they are up to date with the progress of the project and to plan future steps together. It is important to understand that in RECUP the input of the stakeholders and the cooperation with tem is more valuable than anything else.
These stakeholders are empowered with the tools and networks to generate bottom-up initiatives and cultural events within each city.
Focusing on local needs and resources and utilising the valuable knowledge and the network of the stakeholder groups can help to enhance the project’s communication with the broader public and build long term support for cohesive and connected cultural urban ecosystems.
Each partner city relies on the ULGs to sustain the engagement of people or the necessary level of constant bottom-up initiatives, creative endeavours, and other culture-related activities.
What it is like to work with the ULGs?
Each Project Partner had their first -in some cases second and third- ULG meeting and a team building event for the stakeholders as well. The experience is nothing short of wonderful! All partners reported that these meetings were incredibly inspiring and tremendously helpful during the work!