EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network

Urban Culture

Introduction

To prevent segregation in the Information Society with free access, education and participation, content creation and communality.

Problem

The objective is to prevent segregation in the Information Society with local participation, improve the image of undervalued local urban area with positive discrimination.

Description

The project is part of EU Urban II Community Initiative Programme.

Approach

Urban Culture is a cluster of innovative projects of ICT and cultural participation. The common node for all the projects is Kontupiste, a small shopping mall location with 11 free Internet access points, video and radio workspace, presentation, digital photo, scanning and other equipment.

Subprojects involve local communities into participation with new media courses and projects:

Albums open publish photos from private collections to a web data base, exhibitions and publications rendering local history.
Urban TV running courses on the use of audio and video equipment and editing, and realizing small scale documentaries and radio programming with local participation.
Web courage, teaching basic information society skills for elderly people.
Culture courses working in art education in co-operation with the local schools.
Kontufestival, a two-day open-air family music event with local and popular artists.

Results

Better access in Information Society, increased skills and participation level in local community. Enhanced image of the urban locality.

Beneficiaries

Any local residents with poor access to Internet, and active people who wish to participate in cultural information society and communal activities.

Resources used

The project is funded from Urban II programme, total € 1 215 271 as a part of urban area development. Involvement with local operators and communities in early plenary stages.

Skills needed: An insight to ICT on the everyday application level. Connections and involvement to local communities.

Contact info

City of Helsinki, Cultural Office
Finland
Phone: +358 50 560 2570
kimmo.lehtonen@lasipalatsi.fi
http://kulttuuri.hel.fi/
Mr. Kimmo Lehtonen

Project start date

01/01/2002

Links

Kontu La URBAN II - Community Initiative Programme 2001-2006

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Community websites