Café Witch
Basic information
Project Title
Café Witch
Full project title
Café Witch + celebrating the magic that is art, storytelling and co-creating
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
Step into Café Wolf, the beloved music venue in Graz, Austria, where Café Witch, an enchanting biannual intervention, comes to life. This grassroots initiative unites a collective of artists, both local and international, to embark on a spellbinding exploration of art as contemporary "magic". At its core, Café Witch is a force for building a vibrant community, fostering collective healing, exploring our origins through folk traditions and reigniting the flames of creativity in every soul.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Graz, Austria, Austria
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Our mission with Café Witch is clear: we're here to champion the power of collective rituals, unleash creative expressions, and nurture communal growth. At the local music venue Café Wolf, in the heart of Graz, we organize workshops, artistic interventions, soul-stirring concerts, and enlightening lectures. But our ambitions reach far beyond the surface; we aim to unearth the hidden narratives of those overshadowed by history's elite. We're on a quest to uncover what defines European nations beyond the tales of warlords. We ask; who are the people inhabiting these lands, and what stories, traditions, and knowledge have emerged from their existence on this soil?
Is the essence of their existence woven into the mesmerizing songs of Bulgarian voices, captured in the verses of Austrian poets, or hidden within the local myths along the Balkan coast? What unknown truths are embedded in the traditional Puglian dance of the "Tarantella"? Instead of distant observation, we fully immerse ourselves in these traditions, engaging our bodies and souls to truly experience these cultural treasures. Café Witch also serves as a recurring platform for artists and thinkers, mobilizing cultural exchange throughout Europe and extending these platforms to smaller local scenes.
In a world fraught with growing political disparities, Café Witch taps into the power of folk culture by focusing on local folklore, celebratory traditions, and ancient creative practices. This journey allows us to comprehend our heritage, connect with our origins, and firmly anchor ourselves in the present. Through the timeless customs of choral singing, music-making, poetry, ritual dancing, philosophical conversation and more we cultivate an atmosphere of love and knowledge sharing, encouraging open dialogues that transcend borders, surface identities and the fear of the "other." With an ardent passion for art, culture, and folk practices, we seek to celebrate the witch by redefining ‘magic’ as art.
Is the essence of their existence woven into the mesmerizing songs of Bulgarian voices, captured in the verses of Austrian poets, or hidden within the local myths along the Balkan coast? What unknown truths are embedded in the traditional Puglian dance of the "Tarantella"? Instead of distant observation, we fully immerse ourselves in these traditions, engaging our bodies and souls to truly experience these cultural treasures. Café Witch also serves as a recurring platform for artists and thinkers, mobilizing cultural exchange throughout Europe and extending these platforms to smaller local scenes.
In a world fraught with growing political disparities, Café Witch taps into the power of folk culture by focusing on local folklore, celebratory traditions, and ancient creative practices. This journey allows us to comprehend our heritage, connect with our origins, and firmly anchor ourselves in the present. Through the timeless customs of choral singing, music-making, poetry, ritual dancing, philosophical conversation and more we cultivate an atmosphere of love and knowledge sharing, encouraging open dialogues that transcend borders, surface identities and the fear of the "other." With an ardent passion for art, culture, and folk practices, we seek to celebrate the witch by redefining ‘magic’ as art.
Key objectives for sustainability
Café Witch embodies sustainability through its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, fostering community resilience, and promoting environmental consciousness. By focusing on local traditions and engaging in cultural exchange, the project contributes to the sustainability of diverse artistic practices. The emphasis on collective healing and open dialogues fosters a sense of community capable of withstanding societal challenges.
Dedication to folk practices and European history aligns with sustainability by preserving and celebrating both cultural diversity and specificity. Through workshops and artistic interventions, Café Witch actively engages participants in living traditions, ensuring they are passed down and evolve with a contemporary touch.
The project's focus on cultural exchange serves as a sustainable model for fostering interconnectedness and understanding between different communities. This exchange enriches participants and promotes a more sustainable and harmonious global perspective. It is by p
In terms of environmental sustainability, Café Witch's connection with nature through seasonal celebrations aligns with the rhythms of the Earth. Symbolic association with herbalists and healers emphasizes an intimate understanding of nature's wisdom, extending the connection beyond the cultural to the ecological.
While freedom is never a guarantee, Café Witch seizes the present liberty to connect, travel, exchange, and share. This deliberate use of freedom is a conduit for understanding, healing, and breaking free from the past's constraints. By collectively dreaming into a future that values our cultural diversity, the project aims to break outdated patterns and instill a profound respect for each other and for nature.
Café Witch stands as an exemplary project in sustainability by weaving together cultural preservation, community resilience, and environmental consciousness in a holistic and interconnected manner.
Dedication to folk practices and European history aligns with sustainability by preserving and celebrating both cultural diversity and specificity. Through workshops and artistic interventions, Café Witch actively engages participants in living traditions, ensuring they are passed down and evolve with a contemporary touch.
The project's focus on cultural exchange serves as a sustainable model for fostering interconnectedness and understanding between different communities. This exchange enriches participants and promotes a more sustainable and harmonious global perspective. It is by p
In terms of environmental sustainability, Café Witch's connection with nature through seasonal celebrations aligns with the rhythms of the Earth. Symbolic association with herbalists and healers emphasizes an intimate understanding of nature's wisdom, extending the connection beyond the cultural to the ecological.
While freedom is never a guarantee, Café Witch seizes the present liberty to connect, travel, exchange, and share. This deliberate use of freedom is a conduit for understanding, healing, and breaking free from the past's constraints. By collectively dreaming into a future that values our cultural diversity, the project aims to break outdated patterns and instill a profound respect for each other and for nature.
Café Witch stands as an exemplary project in sustainability by weaving together cultural preservation, community resilience, and environmental consciousness in a holistic and interconnected manner.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Café Witch is more than a celebration of cultural heritage; it's a meticulously crafted experience that places a premium on aesthetics and the quality of participants' journey. Our interdisciplinary approach creates an immersive environment where tradition and contemporary expression seamlessly converge.
Quality of experience takes center stage through curated workshops, artistic interventions, soul-stirring concerts, and enlightening lectures. Each element is carefully designed to engage participants in living traditions, ensuring a dynamic and enriching encounter with a variety of artistic practices. The emphasis on open dialogues fosters meaningful connections, contributing to the overall quality of communal interaction.
Café Witch's dedication to European history and folk practices extends beyond cultural preservation to actively fostering cultural benefits. By delving into local traditions, the project provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents while simultaneously preserving and evolving cultural heritage. The emphasis on cultural exchange breaks down barriers, allowing participants to deeply engage with the richness of European traditions.
The project's exemplary nature lies in its seamless integration of aesthetic appeal and cultural richness. Thoughtful curation of experiences and the utilization of a historical venue enhance the overall aesthetic quality, transforming each gathering into a visually and sensorially captivating event. The focus on cultural benefits goes beyond observation, actively involving participants in the living traditions, ensuring a profound and lasting impact.
In summary, Café Witch distinguishes itself as an exemplary project in aesthetics and the quality of the participant experience. It not only preserves traditions but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging, offering participants a transformative journey through the intersection of art, culture, and community.
Quality of experience takes center stage through curated workshops, artistic interventions, soul-stirring concerts, and enlightening lectures. Each element is carefully designed to engage participants in living traditions, ensuring a dynamic and enriching encounter with a variety of artistic practices. The emphasis on open dialogues fosters meaningful connections, contributing to the overall quality of communal interaction.
Café Witch's dedication to European history and folk practices extends beyond cultural preservation to actively fostering cultural benefits. By delving into local traditions, the project provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents while simultaneously preserving and evolving cultural heritage. The emphasis on cultural exchange breaks down barriers, allowing participants to deeply engage with the richness of European traditions.
The project's exemplary nature lies in its seamless integration of aesthetic appeal and cultural richness. Thoughtful curation of experiences and the utilization of a historical venue enhance the overall aesthetic quality, transforming each gathering into a visually and sensorially captivating event. The focus on cultural benefits goes beyond observation, actively involving participants in the living traditions, ensuring a profound and lasting impact.
In summary, Café Witch distinguishes itself as an exemplary project in aesthetics and the quality of the participant experience. It not only preserves traditions but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging, offering participants a transformative journey through the intersection of art, culture, and community.
Key objectives for inclusion
Café Witch is devoted to inclusion, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and diverse representation. Choosing Café Wolf in Graz, Austria, as a centrally located venue ensures accessibility for all.
Affordability is a key focus. By keeping all our events free of charge, we eliminate financial barriers, ensuring economic constraints don't hinder engagement with the cultural and artistic offerings.
Inclusive governance is integral, embracing participatory decision-making. Café Witch's model reflects the collective desires and needs of the community, with regular consultations, open forums, and feedback mechanisms ensuring a responsive and dynamic framework.
Design for all principles permeate the project, from venue accessibility to diverse programming. Café Witch actively integrates design elements promoting inclusivity, creating an environment where individuals of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds feel not only welcome but celebrated.
A distinctive aspect of inclusivity is the provision of free entrance to all events, ensuring that financial considerations do not limit access. This initiative aligns with Café Witch's commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a space where diversity is actively embraced.
The project hints at new societal models by encouraging communal ownership. Café Witch serves as a catalyst for community-driven initiatives, engaging participants in decision-making and fostering collaboration. This approach sets the stage for a more collectively oriented societal model.
Café Witch exemplifies inclusion through accessible venues, affordable experiences, inclusive governance, and the provision of free entrance to all events. It stands as a beacon for cultural initiatives, actively uplifting and celebrating diverse voices in the conversation.
Affordability is a key focus. By keeping all our events free of charge, we eliminate financial barriers, ensuring economic constraints don't hinder engagement with the cultural and artistic offerings.
Inclusive governance is integral, embracing participatory decision-making. Café Witch's model reflects the collective desires and needs of the community, with regular consultations, open forums, and feedback mechanisms ensuring a responsive and dynamic framework.
Design for all principles permeate the project, from venue accessibility to diverse programming. Café Witch actively integrates design elements promoting inclusivity, creating an environment where individuals of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds feel not only welcome but celebrated.
A distinctive aspect of inclusivity is the provision of free entrance to all events, ensuring that financial considerations do not limit access. This initiative aligns with Café Witch's commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a space where diversity is actively embraced.
The project hints at new societal models by encouraging communal ownership. Café Witch serves as a catalyst for community-driven initiatives, engaging participants in decision-making and fostering collaboration. This approach sets the stage for a more collectively oriented societal model.
Café Witch exemplifies inclusion through accessible venues, affordable experiences, inclusive governance, and the provision of free entrance to all events. It stands as a beacon for cultural initiatives, actively uplifting and celebrating diverse voices in the conversation.
How Citizens benefit
Café Witch aligns seamlessly with the three main working principles of the New European Bauhaus—sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity—by fostering an intergenerational, intercultural, and socially diverse community. Citizens are not merely beneficiaries but active contributors, shaping the project's trajectory.
Citizens and civil society play a pivotal role in Café Witch's dynamic. They actively participate in decision-making through open forums, consultations, and feedback mechanisms. This participatory approach empowers them to contribute ideas, ensuring that the project reflects their desires and resonates with diverse perspectives.
The impact of this involvement is transformative. The intergenerational, intercultural, and socially diverse crowd not only benefits from the project but also becomes an integral part of its essence. Their creative expressions and cultural exchanges form the lifeblood of Café Witch. Citizens learn from one another, building bridges of understanding and fostering a sense of communal ownership.
This involvement extends to shaping the project's aesthetics and cultural richness. Through inclusive governance, citizens influence the design elements, ensuring they resonate with a diverse audience. The interplay of various voices and backgrounds not only enhances the project's inclusivity but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.
In summary, citizens and civil society are not passive recipients but active collaborators in Café Witch. Their involvement spans decision-making, cultural expression, and the co-creation of an inclusive, aesthetically rich environment. Café Witch stands as an exemplary model where the principles of the New European Bauhaus come to life through the active and meaningful participation of citizens.
Citizens and civil society play a pivotal role in Café Witch's dynamic. They actively participate in decision-making through open forums, consultations, and feedback mechanisms. This participatory approach empowers them to contribute ideas, ensuring that the project reflects their desires and resonates with diverse perspectives.
The impact of this involvement is transformative. The intergenerational, intercultural, and socially diverse crowd not only benefits from the project but also becomes an integral part of its essence. Their creative expressions and cultural exchanges form the lifeblood of Café Witch. Citizens learn from one another, building bridges of understanding and fostering a sense of communal ownership.
This involvement extends to shaping the project's aesthetics and cultural richness. Through inclusive governance, citizens influence the design elements, ensuring they resonate with a diverse audience. The interplay of various voices and backgrounds not only enhances the project's inclusivity but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.
In summary, citizens and civil society are not passive recipients but active collaborators in Café Witch. Their involvement spans decision-making, cultural expression, and the co-creation of an inclusive, aesthetically rich environment. Café Witch stands as an exemplary model where the principles of the New European Bauhaus come to life through the active and meaningful participation of citizens.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Café Witch stands as an innovative force compared to mainstream practices in its field. While many cultural initiatives focus solely on showcasing art or hosting events, Café Witch pioneers a holistic approach by seamlessly intertwining cultural exploration, artistic expression, and sustainability. The project's commitment to inclusivity goes beyond tokenism, actively involving participants in decision-making and fostering a sense of communal ownership. Unlike mainstream events, Café Witch prioritizes accessibility by offering free entrance to all, ensuring that financial considerations do not hinder engagement. Moreover, its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, involving artists, musicians, historians, and sustainability experts, creates a unique and immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Café Witch's dedication to intergenerational, intercultural, and socially diverse gatherings, fostering understanding through creative expressions and cultural exchange, sets it apart from mainstream cultural initiatives, making it a pioneering force in the realm of transformative and inclusive community experiences.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Café Witch embraces a multidisciplinary approach, reflecting diverse knowledge fields in its design and implementation. Artists, musicians, cultural historians, event organizers, and sustainability experts collaborate seamlessly, fostering a dynamic interaction between creativity and expertise.
Representatives from different fields engage in a synergistic exchange of ideas. Artists infuse cultural expressions, musicians contribute to the auditory tapestry, cultural historians provide context, and sustainability experts integrate eco-conscious practices. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures a holistic and enriching experience for participants.
The added value lies in the richness and depth of Café Witch. The intersection of disciplines sparks innovative programming, where cultural traditions intertwine with sustainable practices. This collaborative approach enhances the authenticity of the project, creating a unique space where artistic expression, cultural exploration, and sustainability seamlessly converge. The diverse knowledge fields contribute to a multifaceted event that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a transformative and inclusive experience.
Representatives from different fields engage in a synergistic exchange of ideas. Artists infuse cultural expressions, musicians contribute to the auditory tapestry, cultural historians provide context, and sustainability experts integrate eco-conscious practices. This interdisciplinary collaboration ensures a holistic and enriching experience for participants.
The added value lies in the richness and depth of Café Witch. The intersection of disciplines sparks innovative programming, where cultural traditions intertwine with sustainable practices. This collaborative approach enhances the authenticity of the project, creating a unique space where artistic expression, cultural exploration, and sustainability seamlessly converge. The diverse knowledge fields contribute to a multifaceted event that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a transformative and inclusive experience.
Methodology used
Café Witch's methodology intertwines cultural exploration, artistic expression, and community engagement through an immersive and participatory approach. Artists, scholars, and culturally relevant figures are invited to lead workshops, deliver lectures, and participate in discussion circles. Notably, artists perform their art and engage in Q&A sessions, fostering a direct connection between creators and the audience.
Active participation extends beyond passive observation, with attendees encouraged to contribute to the dialogue, shaping the project's direction through open discussions and feedback mechanisms. This ensures a dynamic, responsive, and community-driven framework.
Involving both local and international participants is crucial for the project's quality and diversity. By embracing a global perspective, Café Witch creates a rich tapestry of cultural expressions and knowledge, enriching the experience for everyone involved. This inclusive approach aligns with the project's ethos, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and creating a transformative space for collective exploration and expression.
Active participation extends beyond passive observation, with attendees encouraged to contribute to the dialogue, shaping the project's direction through open discussions and feedback mechanisms. This ensures a dynamic, responsive, and community-driven framework.
Involving both local and international participants is crucial for the project's quality and diversity. By embracing a global perspective, Café Witch creates a rich tapestry of cultural expressions and knowledge, enriching the experience for everyone involved. This inclusive approach aligns with the project's ethos, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and creating a transformative space for collective exploration and expression.
How stakeholders are engaged
Café Witch has engaged stakeholders at multiple levels—local, regional, national, and European—to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach in its design and implementation.
At the local level, the community is actively involved through participatory decision-making processes. Local artists, performers, and cultural practitioners play a crucial role in shaping the project's content, ensuring it resonates with the unique cultural fabric of the region. Their direct involvement adds authenticity and relevance to the cultural expressions showcased at Café Witch.
Regionally, partnerships with local businesses, cultural organizations, and educational institutions contribute to the project's vibrancy. Collaborations with regional stakeholders enhance the diversity of offerings, providing a platform for local talents to shine. This regional engagement amplifies the project's impact by creating a network of support and fostering a sense of shared ownership.
Nationally, Café Witch collaborates with governmental bodies, tourism boards, and arts councils. Their involvement adds legitimacy to the project, providing support in terms of resources, promotion, and infrastructure. National stakeholders contribute to the scalability and sustainability of Café Witch, elevating it from a local initiative to a nationally recognized cultural phenomenon.
On the European level, Café Witch taps into cultural exchange programs, artistic collaborations, and funding opportunities. Engaging with European stakeholders enriches the project by bringing in diverse perspectives and fostering connections beyond local and national borders. European involvement elevates Café Witch to a platform for transcontinental cultural dialogue.
The added value of engaging stakeholders at various levels lies in the holistic and well-rounded nature of Café Witch. The synergistic collaboration of stakeholders at different levels enhances the project's reach, resonance, and long-term sustainability.
At the local level, the community is actively involved through participatory decision-making processes. Local artists, performers, and cultural practitioners play a crucial role in shaping the project's content, ensuring it resonates with the unique cultural fabric of the region. Their direct involvement adds authenticity and relevance to the cultural expressions showcased at Café Witch.
Regionally, partnerships with local businesses, cultural organizations, and educational institutions contribute to the project's vibrancy. Collaborations with regional stakeholders enhance the diversity of offerings, providing a platform for local talents to shine. This regional engagement amplifies the project's impact by creating a network of support and fostering a sense of shared ownership.
Nationally, Café Witch collaborates with governmental bodies, tourism boards, and arts councils. Their involvement adds legitimacy to the project, providing support in terms of resources, promotion, and infrastructure. National stakeholders contribute to the scalability and sustainability of Café Witch, elevating it from a local initiative to a nationally recognized cultural phenomenon.
On the European level, Café Witch taps into cultural exchange programs, artistic collaborations, and funding opportunities. Engaging with European stakeholders enriches the project by bringing in diverse perspectives and fostering connections beyond local and national borders. European involvement elevates Café Witch to a platform for transcontinental cultural dialogue.
The added value of engaging stakeholders at various levels lies in the holistic and well-rounded nature of Café Witch. The synergistic collaboration of stakeholders at different levels enhances the project's reach, resonance, and long-term sustainability.
Global challenges
Café Witch addresses global challenges through localized solutions by fostering community resilience, cultural preservation, and environmental consciousness. In the face of increasing disconnection, the project promotes social cohesion and understanding at the local level, counteracting global challenges of division and isolation.
Cultural preservation is a response to the global threat of cultural homogenization. Café Witch celebrates and sustains local traditions, providing a platform for diverse voices. This localized approach contributes to the global mosaic of cultural diversity, countering the erosion of unique identities.
The project's commitment to sustainability, reflected in seasonal celebrations and eco-conscious practices, addresses global environmental challenges. Café Witch encourages a deeper connection to nature, fostering a sense of responsibility that transcends local boundaries and contributes to the broader effort of sustainable living.
By creating inclusive spaces for open dialogues and collective healing, Café Witch tackles global issues of societal disconnection and mental health challenges. The project's emphasis on intergenerational and intercultural interactions offers a local solution to the growing sense of isolation that resonates on a global scale.
In essence, Café Witch provides localized solutions to global challenges by promoting cultural diversity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being at the grassroots level. The project exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can address broader societal issues, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond local borders.
Cultural preservation is a response to the global threat of cultural homogenization. Café Witch celebrates and sustains local traditions, providing a platform for diverse voices. This localized approach contributes to the global mosaic of cultural diversity, countering the erosion of unique identities.
The project's commitment to sustainability, reflected in seasonal celebrations and eco-conscious practices, addresses global environmental challenges. Café Witch encourages a deeper connection to nature, fostering a sense of responsibility that transcends local boundaries and contributes to the broader effort of sustainable living.
By creating inclusive spaces for open dialogues and collective healing, Café Witch tackles global issues of societal disconnection and mental health challenges. The project's emphasis on intergenerational and intercultural interactions offers a local solution to the growing sense of isolation that resonates on a global scale.
In essence, Café Witch provides localized solutions to global challenges by promoting cultural diversity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being at the grassroots level. The project exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can address broader societal issues, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond local borders.
Learning transferred to other parties
Café Witch's transferability lies in its adaptable methodology and inclusive approach. The participatory model, where artists and scholars engage in workshops, lectures, and discussions, can be replicated in diverse cultural contexts. The emphasis on active involvement and open dialogues ensures flexibility across different communities.
The integration of local and international perspectives enhances the project's replicability. Cultural exchange and diverse programming can be tailored to suit varied demographics, allowing Café Witch to resonate with a broad range of audiences.
The project's commitment to accessibility, with free entrance for all events, sets a replicable standard for fostering inclusivity. This aspect can be adapted to suit different financial landscapes, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder participation.
Café Witch's success lies in its ability to create transformative and inclusive spaces. This approach, coupled with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, can be transferred to other locations and communities, fostering a sense of collective exploration and expression in diverse cultural contexts.
The integration of local and international perspectives enhances the project's replicability. Cultural exchange and diverse programming can be tailored to suit varied demographics, allowing Café Witch to resonate with a broad range of audiences.
The project's commitment to accessibility, with free entrance for all events, sets a replicable standard for fostering inclusivity. This aspect can be adapted to suit different financial landscapes, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder participation.
Café Witch's success lies in its ability to create transformative and inclusive spaces. This approach, coupled with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, can be transferred to other locations and communities, fostering a sense of collective exploration and expression in diverse cultural contexts.
Keywords
Interdisciplinary art
Folk tradition / folk practices
European history
Collective healing
Cultural exchange
