Deadline: 02-Jul-21
The EU-Russia Civil Society Forum (Forum, or CSF) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for the Decolonial Encounters to understand reflections in art, science and (civil) society on colonial entanglement in the present and past. Together, they want to find creative solutions to overcome eurocentrism, racism and to foster spaces for dialogue and equal rights.
The platform Europe Lab brings together young people from over 30 European countries, unlocking opportunities for dialogue and common learning. Participants work on cross-sector topics, share best practices, network, develop partnerships and start common international initiatives.
Over the last five years, the community has grown to include young activists, cultural practitioners, researchers, artists, NGO and media representatives, (social) entrepreneurs and representatives of many more sectors.
After this topical introduction and discussion, Europe Lab participants will work in smaller groups on further thematic lines such as gender and colonisation; colonial traces in the urban space; Post-Soviet countries and decolonial perspectives; cultural symbols. There will also be room for practical tasks “off the screen”.
What will EU-Russia Civil Society Forum do?
- For its sixth edition, “Europe Lab” is adapting its format in order to provide all participants equal opportunities to engage, discuss and organise.
- The first step of Europe Lab #6 will be an online Kick-Off Day on July 15th, 2021.
- This first gathering will allow participants to learn from speakers and experts about the continued relevance of decoloniality in the broad European context.
- Participants will also have the opportunity to meet one another and start discussing important topics in tandems, in preparation for a two-months mentoring period (in August and September) to develop their own initiatives.
- Europe Lab participants will be offered mini-grants in Autumn 2021 in order to implement their projects, and will have the opportunity to present their results to all participants during the in-person Lab that will take place in summer 2022 in Assen and Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.
Eligibility Criteria
- Europe Lab welcomes participants from a wide variety of backgrounds such as academia, politics, media, activism, grassroots organisations, NGOs, business, urban development and architecture, environmental activism, social entrepreneurship, the arts and the cultural sector.
- The programme is open to young people from the EU, Russia and other European countries (including EaP countries, Balkan countries, Turkey etc.) in their 20s and 30s, and with a certain experience in the professional field or experience developing their own projects.
- Some previous experience with decolonial theory and/or practice is preferred but not required, as the Lab will feature learning opportunities around the topic of Decolonial Encounters.
- Alumni of former Europe Lab editions are cordially invited to apply again.
For more information, visit https://eu-russia-csf.org/europe-lab-6/