InContext, a transformative cultural initiative based in Slanic Moldova, Romania, is committed to reviving its territory through cultural and educational projects.
At the core of InContext's efforts is a vibrant "Reuse Lab," where residents gather to transform discarded items into new, functional objects, encouraging the community to rethink their relationship with material goods.
From repurposed furniture to upcycled clothing, the space buzzes with creativity as people combine their skills and imagination to breathe fresh life into the things society has cast aside. It’s not only the practical stuff. Through a series of public workshops and community events, InContext has been actively educating its neighbours about the importance of sustainable consumption and the art of creative reuse. Participants leave these sessions not only with a newfound appreciation for the value of secondhand goods but also a toolbox of practical skills to implement in their own lives.
It is one of the case studies presented in the
"The Transformative Power of Socio-Cultural Centres" report by ENCC that explores how community-based hubs are leveraging their deep roots and multifaceted capabilities to spearhead sustainable development that is not only ecologically sound but also socially equitable and culturally vibrant.
“Socio-cultural centres build on local and global synergies, aligning local actions with global sustainability goals. They leverage cultural activities and community engagement to ensure that initiatives are effective at the community level and contribute to broader international objectives” reads the report.
Through close collaboration with 100+ of the ENCC's members, the research was carried out as an action-led effort aimed to identify, develop and amplify roles that align with and contribute to just sustainability transitions. The report identifies 6 key roles that these centers are embracing - as Facilitators, Educators, Innovators, Advocates, Community Builders, and Cultural Stewards.
Socio-cultural centres face challenges such as resource constraints and stakeholder engagement. There are significant opportunities to further strengthen their role through supportive policy frameworks, targeted funding mechanisms and collaborative innovation.
The report's recommendations call for establishing flexible policy environments, dedicated sustainability funding streams, and platforms for knowledge-sharing and cross-sectoral collaboration - all aimed at unlocking the full potential of socio-cultural centres as catalysts of just and sustainable change.
"Recognising and empowering these centres is imperative to ensuring that sustainability transitions are genuinely just and reflect the diverse values and needs of all community members" stresses the report.
Download the full research report
here and the summary
here
