In response to the Call for proposals (CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT) and Networks of Towns, the Commune of Aleksandrów Łódzki, together with over 10 European partners, has prepared a project proposal aimed creating a platform to foster innovative approaches to policy. If the project proposal is approved, our very own Khamoro festival will become a part of this project. The CERV programme is designed to promote citizens rights, EU values, civic participation and the rule of law.
The Sound of Diversity is a large-scale Network of Towns which aims to reinforce the role of local authorities in the field of diversity promotion, anti-discrimination and inclusion of minorities. Its main goal is to connect local areas that host highly visible events, such as the Khamoro festival in Prague (CZ), the Jewish Film Festival in Zagreb (CR), the Game Festival in Obidos (PT), the Festival of Various Arts in Aleksandrów Łódzki and Summer Dying Loud Festival (PL), Cultural days of Barlad (RO), the Greek Dance Fest in Kileler (GR), the Multitude Festival in County of Seine-Saint-Denis (FR) and the People Feast in Molfetta (IT).
At each of these long established events, we will organize an open-air Sound of Diversity stage, which will provide a platform to tackle topics pertinent to diversity and anti-discrimination policies. This stage will serve as an opportunity to engage with local people, activists, youth, minority representatives and experts on topics related to diversity management, anti-discrimination, inclusion, and the EU initiatives, policies and vision in this field.
The Sound of Diversity Stage will tackle topics relevant to transnational EU policies in an innovative way by incorporating perspectives that include a transnational dimension, inclusive approaches, mainstreamed intersectional antidiscrimination and gender equality. This will empower people to address local policies and programmes in a renewed, fresh and often challenged perspective. Among many other outcomes, this project will result in a practical guidebook on diversity, inclusion and belonging, which will act as a blueprint to improve policies in these partnered towns.
The project group is:
− City Council of Jacarilla (Spain)
− Municipality of Kileler (Greece)
− Óbidos Municipality (Portugal)
− County of Seine-Saint-Denis (France)
− Barlad Municipality (Romania)
− Association of Inclusive Culture (Slovenia, NGO) on behalf of Municipality of Ljubljana (letter of support attached)
− Media Pont (Serbia) on behalf of City of Novi Sad
− Associazione InCo - Interculturalità & Comunicazione APS (Italy) on behalf of Molfetta town
− Slovo 21 (Czechia, NGO) on behalf of Municipality of Prague and several quarter-municipalites (Prague 5, Prague 4, Prague 3, Prague 2 and Prague 1)
− Jewish Film Festival - Zagreb (Croatia, NGO) on behalf of the City of Zagreb
− Budapest XIV. district Zugló Municipality (Hungary)
− LEADERSHIP: Commune of Aleksandrów Łódzki (Poland).
- Associated partners: Connection:Berlin (Germany, NGO), Ambasada Polek (DE) and International Council of Polish Womxn (PL).
