The Agro-Perma-Lab Foundation, at the invitation of the Malta Foundation, took part in one of the meetings of the City Academy – a 5-weekend cycle devoted to the topic of “Sensitive Cities”. A free course for everyone interested in the theory and practice of creating sensitive cities, acting for the benefit of their inhabitants and inhabitants, and adapting ecocentric solutions, during the planetary change was aimed at preparing its participants for better adaptation to climate change. The program includes interviews and workshops with experts and practitioners. APLab educators appeared at the Academy during the 2nd Congress, dedicated to the issue of food.
FOR WHO?
Last year’s edition of the City Academy was programmed for everyone interested in reflecting on the creation of cities sensitive to climate change as well as bottom-up and administrative actions for their residents. It was attended by city activists, animators, architects, researchers and officials, as well as students and graduates of humanities and arts.
WHICH METHODS?
During five full-day weekend meetings, together with the participants of the Academy, through the formula of lectures, performative walks, meetings and workshops, experts and experts looked at the already existing solutions to social and infrastructural problems of vulnerable cities. The Academy has become a space where knowledge and experience meet with creative practices.
In recent years, a revival of interest in urban agriculture has become more and more evident. One of the reasons that experts point to is the growing awareness of the importance of an extensive food network in or in close proximity to cities. First, it has to do with the recognition that food production, especially in the context of the supply chain, is exacerbating the problem of increasing the ecological footprint. Second, the issue of ensuring a sovereign food policy at the municipal or regional level is a counter to large-scale, monoculture farming practice, which contributes to environmental pollution and soil depletion. During the two-day congress, the participants got acquainted with the activities proposed on the basis of the “new cooperativism”; they practiced what alternative flows between town and country in the food context might look like and gained knowledge of the practices that they later applied in their activities and evaluation projects.
Hosted by: Foundation Agro-Perma-Lab, Joanna Bojczewska, Klaudia Kryńska
Why is the City Academy organized by the Malta Foundation?
Malta Festival Poznań has been transforming public space into a meeting place for people and the implementation of artistic activities for 30 years. For seven years, as part of the festival, we have been running the artistic and social program Generator Malta. We initiated activities in several community gardens and implemented several dozen artistic projects in public space, dedicated to the city and its citizens. During the City Academy, we want to share and exchange experiences and knowledge. The City Academy is a project implemented by the Malta Foundation as part of the Visitor’s School program, with financial support from the City of Poznań.