European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)

nacucky!: A Safe Haven for Dialogue

DW7, o.p.s.
Czech Republic
nacucky!-A-Safe-Haven-for-Dialogue
Our project responds to rising polarization in Czech society fueled by populism. In the conservative Olomouc region, we establish “Dům nacucky!” and Za()hrada as "safe havens" for critical thinking. Through climate psychology, countering misinformation, and non-violent communication, we build community resilience against the instrumentalization of fear. We bridge disparate worlds—from local gardeners to the LGBTQ+ minority. Our goal is to transform tension into creative cooperation, uphold democratic values, and protect public space from radicalization.
The project is divided into four phases leading from trust-building to systemic change. We begin in our community garden, Za()hrada, where dance workshops and parent-friendly activities create "common ground" beyond words. This low-threshold approach enables people from diverse social bubbles to meet in a safe, non-confrontational environment. This is followed by an educational block linking facts, art, and psychology. Analyst Vojtěch Pecka teaches participants to recognize disinformation, while a theatrical production on climate activism opens a discussion on the emotions that divide us. Psychologist Jan Krajhanzl offers insight into why society "freezes" in conflicts, and lecturer Petr Sucháček introduces Nonviolent Communication (NVC) as a key tool for discussing controversial topics. The final phase brings these values into the streets of Olomouc. Based on participatory needs mapping, we will create a "Respectful Space Code." We will invite local cafes and institutions to join this network, becoming visible points of mutual consideration and inclusion. The project thus leaves a lasting tool in our city for cultivated dialogue and strengthened social resilience.

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