Graz&... is an open project led by the city-community. It focuses on celebrating the concept of “and” & is founded on the idea that everyone has something worth sharing: With the central idea that each individual possesses skills and knowledge that add to the basic concept of being, Graz&... provides an environment for the transfer of such skills in a non-formal educational manner, with the aim to solidify the sense of community based on mutual appreciation of the individualities of the city’s inhabitants and the expansion of self-identity via skill sharing - whether that be in the form of workshops, concerts, performances, discussions or anything you wish to share.
The project relies on its community to shape the overall project: It is entirely volunteer-lead and sustained by the free donation of all those who wish to contribute, whether that be financially, by hosting a workshop/ event, or donating materials - the suggested donation for attending workshops is 4€. By placing the city at the forefront of our concept, nobody is considered a participant or guest - we are all creators and the project belongs to us all.
Location > With the city as our platform, Graz&... works to permeate this space entirely. With no centralised location, the project has no restraints: All events are hosted in various different locations that are tailored to the event taking place.
Organisation > A core team of four volunteers currently handle the administration aspects of the project and works with four main languages: German, Czech, English and Romanian. All organisational correspondences will be made in German or English. All events aim to be as language inclusive as possible, but for now, will function mostly in German and English.
Financially > All donations remain within the project. The only exceptions are reimbursements and payments made to those who provide events - the payment amount depends entirely on the donations made at that specific event and they are divided equally between the mentor and the project.
Activities > All activities will take place at various hours and locations, with as varied a focus as possible. There a no restrictions as to what can be realised within the environment of Graz&..., if you are willing to share, we are happy to assist! To get your imagination going, here are some suggestions:
* Dance / Sports / Fitness workshops * Hand-made creations
* Well-being / Beauty / Spirituality * Travel
* Musical / Theatre workshops * Discussions
>>> But remember, “and” exists in diversity - Graz&... is open for everything & everyone! <<<
Contribution to the project can take many forms, and it is entirely up to you how and what you wish to add.
Host > location, sharing your skill/s as a workshop/event mentor
Volunteer > organisation, assist at workshops/events, advertisement
Sponsor > materials for workshops, food and drinks etc.
For more information, please contact: grazund@gmail.com
Or visit us on: facebook.com/grazund
So now the formalities are out of the way, let's discuss what this online space is for! Firstly, the blog will act as an extension of the community Graz&... wishes to develop: Anyone is welcome to contribute to the blog, just send us your ideas to grazund@gmail.com or if you wish to discuss in person with one or all of the organisation team of the project, let us know - we're happy to meet and get to know you! There will be regular posts which explore the city of Graz, sharing opportunities, activities and generally capturing the essence and diversity of everyday life in the city.
Secondly, this space will also archive all the events that take place under the umbrella of Graz&..., sharing information about upcoming events, documenting past ones and providing a space for the discussion of what everyone would like to see from the project in the future! The central idea of Graz&... is that is led by everyone who wishes to contribute, so please help to shape the project - without you, the project won't exist!
So, take your time to explore this new space: On the top right hand corner there is a menu button which will open access to all the different pages. If you notice something is missing which you feel is important to include, tell us! We're all learning how to use the project as it develops and you are more than welcome to take the chance to have an input and learn with us!
We're excited for what the future will bring for Graz&... and even more excited to hear from you!
Till next time, the Graz&... organisation team.
