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New European Bauhaus Prizes

Regaining a sense of belonging

Center ''Anthill''
The center of joint creation «Anthill»
Our project aims to establish a welcoming space where diverse social groups—local residents, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans, and their families—can meet, collaborate, and realize their potential. By fostering community bonds and shared purpose, this initiative strives to create an environment that supports social integration, empowerment, and resilience.
Ukraine
Local
Dunaivtsi City Territorial Community
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-09-30
Yes
Council of Europe, the project “Strengthening multi-level governance, democracy and human rights at the local level in Ukraine”, implemented by the Congress within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026
No
No
As a representative of an organisation

Overall Aim:
The "Anthill" project aimed to create a welcoming and inclusive space that fosters community resilience, social integration, and empowerment. By bringing together local residents, internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans, and their families, the initiative strengthened social cohesion, encouraged participation in cultural and educational activities, and promoted personal and professional development.
Target Groups:
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – for integration and active participation.
Veterans and Their Families – for psychological support and rehabilitation.
Local Residents – to foster engagement and community-building.
Children and Youth – to provide educational and creative opportunities.
Specific Objectives:
Establish an inclusive community space for collaboration, support, and social cohesion.
Facilitate IDP integration through activities that promote participation and empowerment.
Support veterans and families with programs fostering emotional well-being and creative self-expression.
Engage youth in educational and cultural initiatives to develop skills and strengthen their role in the community.
Ensure project sustainability by building partnerships.
Achieved Outcomes:
687 participants engaged in 28 community events.
Enhanced social cohesion through cultural, psychological, and educational programs.
Strengthened IDP integration, ensuring active community participation.
Increased local partnerships, expanding project impact and sustainability.
Development of long-term initiatives.
Through the "Anthill" project, the community has become more united, resilient, and empowered to face challenges together.
Community Integration
Social Inclusion
Empowerment
Resilience
Collaboration
The "Anthill" project was designed with a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring long-term impact beyond the initial implementation. One of the key objectives was to create a self-sustaining community space that remains active and relevant to diverse social groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans, and local residents. This was achieved by fostering strong community engagement, with 687 participants actively involved in events and decision-making, ensuring a sense of ownership and long-term involvement. The project also prioritized social sustainability by promoting inclusive governance, skill-building opportunities, and cultural programs that strengthen community resilience. Additionally, partnerships with local NGOs, such as the Women’s Association of Dunaivtsi, helped expand the project’s reach and ensure ongoing support. The integration of IDPs and veterans into community activities ensured their long-term inclusion rather than temporary assistance. By creating a model that blends social integration, economic empowerment, and participatory governance, "Anthill" stands out as an exemplary, replicable initiative that can be adapted in other communities facing similar challenges. The project’s ability to combine financial independence, civic engagement, and psychological support makes it a strong blueprint for sustainable community development.
The "Anthill" project was designed to create a visually appealing, welcoming, and culturally enriching environment that enhances the quality of experience for all participants. The project prioritized design, atmosphere, and cultural engagement to ensure long-term community involvement and emotional well-being.
1. Creating a Visually Inspiring and Comfortable Space
Objective: Design an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment that encourages creativity and collaboration.
Achievement: The center was thoughtfully designed with bright, engaging interiors, flexible seating, and dedicated creative areas. These elements make the space inviting for workshops, social gatherings, and personal development activities.
2. Enhancing Cultural Identity and Community Pride
Objective: Celebrate local heritage and foster a sense of belonging through cultural engagement.
Achievement: The center hosted poetry readings, art workshops, and literary events featuring Ukrainian authors, strengthening local identity and cultural appreciation. Events like World Vyshyvanka Day and the Poetic Vernissage showcased traditions and local talent.
3. Providing High-Quality, Engaging Experiences
Objective: Ensure that all activities are interactive and meaningful.
Achievement: The project engaged professional mentors and artists to lead workshops, ensuring a high level of cultural and educational value. Events like art therapy sessions provided a unique and enriching creative experience.
4. Promoting Creative Expression and Personal Development
Objective: Empower participants through arts, crafts, and storytelling.
Achievement: The custom logo competition engaged youth in designing a visual identity for the center, and hands-on workshops in clay modeling and textile art encouraged self-expression and skill development.
The "Anthill" project was designed as an inclusive space that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, social equity, and participatory governance. The initiative fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for all community members, including vulnerable groups.
1. Ensuring Accessibility for All
Objective: Create a space that is physically, socially, and economically accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities, IDPs.
Achievement: The center was designed with barrier-free access. All events were free of charge.
2. Promoting Inclusive Participation and Empowerment
Objective: Ensure that IDPs, veterans, and youth actively participate in decision-making and community life.
Achievement: The project facilitated regular consultations with IDPs and veterans, integrating their needs and perspectives . A Council of IDPs was engaged in shaping policies and initiatives, reinforcing inclusive governance.
3. Fostering Intergenerational and Social Cohesion
Objective: Strengthen community bonds across different social groups and age ranges.
Achievement: Activities such as art therapy, storytelling sessions, and master classes were designed to connect different generations, fostering mutual understanding and solidarity.
Exemplary Impact
The Anthill center serves as a model for inclusive community development, integrating accessible design, participatory governance, and economic empowerment. By addressing the needs of all groups, the project demonstrates how inclusion strengthens social resilience and community cohesion.
The "Anthill" project was designed as a community-driven initiative, ensuring that citizens and civil society organizations played an active role in shaping and implementing the project. Their involvement significantly impacted the project's relevance, sustainability, and overall success.
-Citizen Engagement and Participation
Role: Beneficiaries were not passive recipients but active contributors to the project.
Level of Involvement:
IDPs participated in discussions on integration and support programs, shaping project activities to meet their needs.
Youth and Families engaged in cultural and educational initiatives, including art workshops, poetry contests, and masterclasses.
Community Members co-created events such as World Vyshyvanka Day and local storytelling sessions, fostering local identity and pride.
Impact: Stronger community ownership and increased participation in events (687 attendees across 28 activities).
-Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations
Role: Local NGOs played a critical role in project outreach, advocacy, and sustainability.
Level of Involvement:
The Women’s Association of Dunaivtsi actively co-organized events, provided mentorship, and helped engage new participants (35% of total visitors).
Impact: Expanded project reach, diversified activities, and strengthened partnerships for long-term sustainability.
3. Community-Driven Decision-Making
Role: Citizens and stakeholders influenced project governance and strategic direction.
Level of Involvement:
Public voting for the center’s logo (1,050 participants) strengthened civic engagement.
Impact: Greater transparency, stronger citizen engagement, and alignment with community needs.
Overall Impact of Citizen:
Increased community trust and ownership, ensuring long-term project sustainability.
By fostering active citizen engagement and collaboration with civil society, the "Anthill" project serves as a best-practice example of participatory governance and social cohesion.
The "Anthill" project engaged multiple stakeholders , ensuring a collaborative and multi-level approach to its design, implementation, and sustainability. Their involvement strengthened the project's impact, reach, and long-term viability.
1. Local Level Engagement
Stakeholders Involved:
Dunaivtsi City Council (Lead Implementer)
Local NGOs (e.g., Women’s Association of Dunaivtsi)
Community Members (IDPs, veterans, youth, local residents)
Educational Institutions (schools and youth groups)
Role and Level of Involvement:
City Council provided administrative support, infrastructure, and funding coordination.
NGOs actively participated in organizing events, mobilizing citizens, and advocating for inclusivity.
Community members co-created project activities, ensuring relevance to local needs.
Schools and youth organizations engaged in cultural and educational activities, fostering youth participation.
Added Value:
Direct community ownership ensured project sustainability and long-term impact.
NGO expertise expanded programming with social, psychological, and educational support.
European visibility and networking strengthened project impact and sustainability.
Access to best practices improved project governance and inclusion strategies.
The "Anthill" project demonstrates how multi-stakeholder engagement strengthens community-driven initiatives, ensures policy alignment, and amplifies long-term impact.
The "Anthill" project used a multidisciplinary approach, integrating social sciences, psychology, education, art, and governance to enhance community resilience, social integration, and sustainability.
Key Disciplines and Knowledge Fields:
Social Sciences & Community Development
Experts: Social workers, community organizers.
Role: Designed inclusive programs and facilitated IDP and veteran integration.
Interaction: Collaborated with psychologists and local officials for targeted support.
Added Value: Strengthened long-term community cohesion.
Psychology & Mental Health
Experts: Psychologists, art therapists.
Role: Provided psycho-emotional support, including art therapy and resilience workshops.
Interaction: Worked with educators and cultural specialists to tailor sessions for vulnerable groups.
Added Value: Enhanced emotional well-being and social reintegration.
Education & Youth Development
Experts: Educators, trainers.
Role: Developed skill-building programs, creative competitions, and educational workshops.
Interaction: Partnered with artists and psychologists to ensure activities were educational and therapeutic.
Added Value: Empowered youth through interactive learning and leadership opportunities.
Art & Cultural Industries
Experts: Artists.
Role: Led art workshops, poetry contests, and cultural projects.
Interaction: Integrated psychology and education to use art for healing and identity-building.
Added Value: Fostered creative self-expression and social cohesion.
Impact of Multidisciplinary Collaboration
-Holistic Approach: Addressed social, psychological, and educational needs.
-Sustainability: Ensured long-term functionality and financial viability.
-Broad Participation: Engaged diverse social groups through cross-sector expertise.
-Scalable Model: Demonstrated replicable strategies for inclusive development.
The "Anthill" project is an innovative initiative that integrates social inclusion, psychological support, and participatory governance into a sustainable model. Unlike traditional community centers that focus on isolated services, "Anthill" creates a multi-functional space that fosters resilience, integration, and empowerment.
A key innovation is its multi-dimensional approach to social integration, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) and veterans are active participants, shaping policies and local initiatives rather than receiving only short-term aid. The project also combines psychological support with cultural engagement, using art therapy, storytelling, and poetry workshops to help participants process trauma in a safe and expressive environment.
The center was co-created with community input, ensuring accessibility and relevance. 1,050 community members voted on the center’s logo, demonstrating a participatory governance model that is rarely found in mainstream initiatives. "Anthill" also serves as a scalable and replicable model, providing a framework that municipalities can adapt to support vulnerable populations through local engagement.
The "Anthill" project was implemented using an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable approach that combines community participation, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural and psychological integration, and social entrepreneurship.
1. Community-Led Approach
- Methodology:
The project was designed using a co-creation model, ensuring that community members actively participated in planning, decision-making, and implementation.
- Implementation:
Consultations with internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans, and youth to identify their needs.
Public voting (1,050 participants) for the center’s logo to enhance engagement and ownership.
Partnerships with local NGOs to support long-term sustainability.
- Outcome:
687 individuals actively participated in events and activities.
Increased community ownership, ensuring the center’s long-term impact.
2. Psychosocial & Cultural Integration Approach
- Methodology:
A combination of art therapy, psychological support, and cultural activities was used to improve emotional well-being and resilience.
- Implementation:
13 specialized psychological sessions, including art therapy, emotional stabilization, and responsible fatherhood training.
Cultural and creative events, such as poetry readings, storytelling workshops, and masterclasses.
- Outcome:
317 individuals participated in psychological training sessions, improving their emotional resilience.
The use of culture as a tool for social cohesion and community healing.
The "Anthill" project stands out for its integrated, participatory, and sustainable approach, ensuring that community members not only benefit from the project but actively shape its future. By combining community leadership, psychological support, cultural programming, and entrepreneurship, the project serves as a best-practice model for inclusive and resilient community development.
The "Anthill" project offers a scalable and adaptable model that can be replicated in various communities, different beneficiary groups, and diverse contexts. One of its most replicable elements is the community-led approach, where beneficiaries actively participate in planning and decision-making. Through public consultations, participatory voting, and engagement strategies, the project ensures shared ownership. This approach, demonstrated in the public voting process for selecting the center’s logo (1,050 participants), can be replicated in youth initiatives, community centers, and urban development projects to foster civic engagement and inclusion.
Another key transferable aspect is the inclusive and social integration model, which provides barrier-free access, structured programs for IDPs, veterans, and vulnerable groups, and embedded psychological support within community activities. This model is applicable to resettlement programs, inclusive urban planning, and refugee integration initiatives, ensuring that displaced groups become active contributors to society rather than passive recipients of aid.
The project also demonstrates a psychosocial and cultural approach that foster emotional healing and social cohesion. This methodology can be effectively transferred to schools, refugee camps, mental health programs, and youth empowerment projects, providing a safe space for self-expression and recovery, particularly in communities affected by conflict or displacement.
Finally, the multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary collaboration model strengthens project sustainability by bringing together local government, NGOs, and community organizations to build a holistic support system. This approach can be replicated in EU-funded initiatives, humanitarian programs, and community-driven projects, enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors.
The "Anthill" project addresses several pressing global challenges by providing effective local solutions. One of the key issues it tackles is forced displacement and social integration, offering internally displaced persons (IDPs) a welcoming space where they can actively participate in community life rather than remain passive recipients of aid. The project fosters integration through cultural, psychological, and skill-building programs, enabling IDPs to rebuild their lives and contribute to the local economy. Another major challenge is mental health and emotional well-being, as many individuals affected by war and displacement suffer from trauma and stress. The project provides psychological support through creative and cultural activities, such as art therapy, storytelling, and mindfulness workshops, ensuring a safe space for emotional healing, particularly for veterans, IDPs, and children. Additionally, economic vulnerability and unemployment remain critical global concerns. "Anthill" offers skill-building and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, such as a custom printing service for t-shirts and eco-bags, empowering individuals to develop new skills, gain financial independence, and contribute to local economic resilience. The project also addresses the issue of declining civic engagement and social cohesion, fostering active participation through a co-creation model where community members shape initiatives, vote on decisions, and engage in local governance. By combining social inclusion, psychological support, economic empowerment, and participatory governance, "Anthill" demonstrates how community-driven solutions can effectively respond to global crises at the local level.
The "Anthill" project has delivered significant results, outcomes, and impacts, contributing to the well-being of the community and strengthening social cohesion. The project successfully established an inclusive and dynamic space that engaged 687 participants in 28 events, including educational workshops, psychological support sessions, and cultural activities. A key outcome was the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans into community life, ensuring they felt valued rather than isolated. Through structured activities such as seminars, 317 individuals benefited from psychological support, improving their emotional resilience and mental well-being. The project also fostered economic empowerment by introducing a custom printing service that provided participants with entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, it strengthened civic engagement and participatory governance, as 1,050 community members took part in decision-making processes, such as voting for the center’s logo, reinforcing democratic values. Indirect beneficiaries, including families of participants and the broader community, experienced enhanced social cohesion, cultural enrichment, and increased awareness of inclusion and resilience-building practices. The collaboration with the Women’s Association of Dunaivtsi extended the project’s reach, ensuring its sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase. Overall, "Anthill" has become a model of self-sustaining community initiative, demonstrating how social integration, mental health support, and economic resilience can be effectively combined to create long-term positive change.