Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
SETUP Small City Action
From Small Actions to Big Impact: Creating Sustainable Transition in Small Cities
In the Western Balkans' transitional context, small cities face a depopulation trend, leaving behind neglected spaces and diminishing community life.
SETUP uncovers the potential of forgotten spaces, transforming them through small-scale urban interventions.
SETUP merges architecture and social engagement to initiate sustainable narratives that catalyze long-term positive change.
SETUP involves a multidisciplinary approach, giving the community a platform at every step of the process.
SETUP uncovers the potential of forgotten spaces, transforming them through small-scale urban interventions.
SETUP merges architecture and social engagement to initiate sustainable narratives that catalyze long-term positive change.
SETUP involves a multidisciplinary approach, giving the community a platform at every step of the process.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local
Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-11-15
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The SETUP Small City Action is a set of urban interventions across Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been realized over the past decade. Led by the non-profit organization SETUP, this initiative serves as a dynamic platform for social and cultural innovation, promoting positive change within existing social, political, and economic frameworks. With a particular emphasis on the citizens of Visoko, SETUP focuses on groups that have specific program needs within spaces that require transformation. In the transitional context of the Western Balkans, where small cities face depopulation and shrinkage, SETUP aims to counteract these trends by fostering a creative atmosphere and socially responsible urban regeneration, ensuring that small-scale actions contribute to long-term sustainability.
Inspired by human urbanism and sustainability principles, SETUP members challenge the role of social activists, architects, and designers, working in multidisciplinary teams to generate spaces and interventions that introduce new experiences into everyday life, ultimately revitalizing the urban fabric and preventing further decline. A key focus of SETUP is activating neglected and abandoned spaces, particularly deindustrialized sites, former art and cultural venues, and public spaces. By targeting places in need, such as revitalizing abandoned industrial and cinema halls for cultural festivals or transforming forgotten urban corners, SETUP demonstrates how small but strategic interventions can give meaning to urban space and foster a sense of community.
SETUP’s methodology is rooted in community participation, resource recycling, and creating shared spaces that encourage social interaction and collective creativity. These urban interventions prioritize areas that need them the most, believing that urban transformation comes from local contexts and collective efforts driven by a vision for a more sustainable and vibrant small-scale city.
Inspired by human urbanism and sustainability principles, SETUP members challenge the role of social activists, architects, and designers, working in multidisciplinary teams to generate spaces and interventions that introduce new experiences into everyday life, ultimately revitalizing the urban fabric and preventing further decline. A key focus of SETUP is activating neglected and abandoned spaces, particularly deindustrialized sites, former art and cultural venues, and public spaces. By targeting places in need, such as revitalizing abandoned industrial and cinema halls for cultural festivals or transforming forgotten urban corners, SETUP demonstrates how small but strategic interventions can give meaning to urban space and foster a sense of community.
SETUP’s methodology is rooted in community participation, resource recycling, and creating shared spaces that encourage social interaction and collective creativity. These urban interventions prioritize areas that need them the most, believing that urban transformation comes from local contexts and collective efforts driven by a vision for a more sustainable and vibrant small-scale city.
Empathy
Revitalization
Transformation
Engagement
Resilience
Sustainability is often seen primarily through an environmental lens. However, true sustainability extends beyond that, encompassing social and economic dimensions. The core objective of our projects is to promote sustainable urban development by activating and regenerating underused spaces through social participation, minimal cost, and low environmental impact. Our approach integrates resource efficiency and the active involvement of local communities. Among the various urban interventions under the SETUP Small City Action project, sustainability is evident in the following:
KTK Former Factory Hall – Many Men Show Festival
In 2012, during the MMS Festival, this former Yugoslavian leather factory hall was transformed into a cultural, artistic, and social venue. Through the involvement of SETUP and the local community, the space gained new cultural v. Modular elements, such as wood pellet seating that doubles as a stage at night, was used to create flexible spaces with minimal cost and environmental impact.
Square Matrakčija - Open-Air Cinema
The neglected Matrakčija Square, once used for garbage disposal and parking, is now centrally located near two important cultural institutions: the museum and the cinema. During the Kulin Ban Festival, it was transformed into an open-air cinema showcasing films from the Sarajevo Film Festival. Small interventions revitalized the space, allowing Visoko to enjoy regional and international cinema and demonstrating how even minimal changes can have a significant impact.
Sicilija Promenade – Family Day Action
The Fojnica Riverbank, also known as Sicilija Promenade, had long been underused. SETUP organized a Family Day event that included revitalizing the space through low-cost interventions, such as repainting and replacing outdated urban elements. By adding sustainable features like trash bins and benches, the project demonstrated how small interventions can have a significant and lasting impact.
KTK Former Factory Hall – Many Men Show Festival
In 2012, during the MMS Festival, this former Yugoslavian leather factory hall was transformed into a cultural, artistic, and social venue. Through the involvement of SETUP and the local community, the space gained new cultural v. Modular elements, such as wood pellet seating that doubles as a stage at night, was used to create flexible spaces with minimal cost and environmental impact.
Square Matrakčija - Open-Air Cinema
The neglected Matrakčija Square, once used for garbage disposal and parking, is now centrally located near two important cultural institutions: the museum and the cinema. During the Kulin Ban Festival, it was transformed into an open-air cinema showcasing films from the Sarajevo Film Festival. Small interventions revitalized the space, allowing Visoko to enjoy regional and international cinema and demonstrating how even minimal changes can have a significant impact.
Sicilija Promenade – Family Day Action
The Fojnica Riverbank, also known as Sicilija Promenade, had long been underused. SETUP organized a Family Day event that included revitalizing the space through low-cost interventions, such as repainting and replacing outdated urban elements. By adding sustainable features like trash bins and benches, the project demonstrated how small interventions can have a significant and lasting impact.
From an aesthetic perspective, the SETUP Small City Action project focuses on identifying potential in neglected and underutilized spaces, transforming them into culturally rich environments. The design process integrates the local context and reflects the community's cultural identity. For example, in the revitalization of the Sicilija Riverbank Promenade, the paint pattern on the cascading steps was created by local artist Mirza Smajlovic, drawing inspiration from traditional Bosnian carpet patterns. The outcome is a public space that is both functional and visually appealing. Since this small-scale intervention was completed, the space has become more frequently used, not only for walking but also as a leisure area.
Several interventions encourage multi-use and flexibility to create interactive, engaging spaces. For instance, during the Kulin Ban festival, the public space Matrakčija serves as a venue for educational workshops during the day and transforms into an open-air cinema at night. This dynamic use of space strengthens the local community's cultural values by offering creative opportunities and fostering an appreciation of heritage. By strategically positioning activities near spaces of cultural value, such as a museum and a cinema, the intervention encourages the community to envision the public space with scenarios that have not been previously imagined.
Interventions like the Open Library serve as static elements within the public space. Aesthetically integrated into the existing structure of the Tabhanska mosque, the library is strategically positioned in a central location along a major pedestrian axis. It acts as a shared learning and knowledge exchange space, encouraging citizens to engage with learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Several interventions encourage multi-use and flexibility to create interactive, engaging spaces. For instance, during the Kulin Ban festival, the public space Matrakčija serves as a venue for educational workshops during the day and transforms into an open-air cinema at night. This dynamic use of space strengthens the local community's cultural values by offering creative opportunities and fostering an appreciation of heritage. By strategically positioning activities near spaces of cultural value, such as a museum and a cinema, the intervention encourages the community to envision the public space with scenarios that have not been previously imagined.
Interventions like the Open Library serve as static elements within the public space. Aesthetically integrated into the existing structure of the Tabhanska mosque, the library is strategically positioned in a central location along a major pedestrian axis. It acts as a shared learning and knowledge exchange space, encouraging citizens to engage with learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.
One of the core principles of SETUP as a social initiative is to design inclusive, accessible, and affordable public spaces for all members of the Visoko community. The primary goal is to ensure that every intervention is developed with active citizen participation from start to finish. Participation is encouraged for everyone, regardless of background or ability, and is viewed as an opportunity to create spaces that foster a sense of belonging. Every participant has an essential role in decision-making, which cultivates a sense of ownership and a deeper connection to the spaces that are transformed. We firmly believe in the principle that the things “we create are the things we take care of.”
A notable example of this approach is creating a Family Day event, a key component of the revitalization of the Sicilija promenade. During this event, families—comprising children, parents, and grandparents—came together to paint cascading stairs, socialize, and interact. This collective effort not only contributed to a tangible transformation but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. It was an opportunity for individuals to shape their environment while strengthening social bonds.
Moreover, SETUP ensures that each project is affordable and has minimal environmental impact by prioritizing the recycling of materials and existing structures. Both the private and public sectors generously donate many of the materials used. Local medium-sized companies contribute materials, while the public sector, including local municipalities, provides essential financial support. This collaborative model ensures the sustainability of the initiative and keeps the projects accessible for all.
A notable example of this approach is creating a Family Day event, a key component of the revitalization of the Sicilija promenade. During this event, families—comprising children, parents, and grandparents—came together to paint cascading stairs, socialize, and interact. This collective effort not only contributed to a tangible transformation but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. It was an opportunity for individuals to shape their environment while strengthening social bonds.
Moreover, SETUP ensures that each project is affordable and has minimal environmental impact by prioritizing the recycling of materials and existing structures. Both the private and public sectors generously donate many of the materials used. Local medium-sized companies contribute materials, while the public sector, including local municipalities, provides essential financial support. This collaborative model ensures the sustainability of the initiative and keeps the projects accessible for all.
Each SETUP Small City Action project intervention is designed by and for citizens. Citizens play a central role in every aspect of the project, from decision-making to the design, process, and production phases. The activities are specifically created to meet the needs of the community, reflect their values, and foster a sense of belonging and ownership.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently undergoing a transitional period, moving from a collective past to a more individualistic, market-driven environment. The rapid growth of capitalism and the migration of people from small cities to larger ones for economic opportunities have decreased community values. In such a challenging context, revitalizing small cities is complex, and success requires sustained citizen involvement, creativity, and cooperation.
A notable example of this community-driven transformation is the creation of the Music Atelier in Visoko. Initially, SETUP sought to encourage local youth bands to perform publicly at SETUP-organized festivals. This initiative evolved into the creation of a permanent music practice space. In Visoko, like many small cities, young people often lack opportunities to explore their talents beyond the school system. Recognizing this gap, SETUP, in collaboration with the local community, transformed an unused space in a former cinema building into the Music Atelier. The atelier provides young people free access to practice and learn various instruments. Local citizens contributed financially to help purchase the instruments, and volunteers ensured the space remained open for use on an ongoing basis.
This collaboration empowers the youth and strengthens the bonds within the community. The success of the Music Atelier proves that a single intervention can catalyze long-term positive changes and inspire further community-driven projects.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently undergoing a transitional period, moving from a collective past to a more individualistic, market-driven environment. The rapid growth of capitalism and the migration of people from small cities to larger ones for economic opportunities have decreased community values. In such a challenging context, revitalizing small cities is complex, and success requires sustained citizen involvement, creativity, and cooperation.
A notable example of this community-driven transformation is the creation of the Music Atelier in Visoko. Initially, SETUP sought to encourage local youth bands to perform publicly at SETUP-organized festivals. This initiative evolved into the creation of a permanent music practice space. In Visoko, like many small cities, young people often lack opportunities to explore their talents beyond the school system. Recognizing this gap, SETUP, in collaboration with the local community, transformed an unused space in a former cinema building into the Music Atelier. The atelier provides young people free access to practice and learn various instruments. Local citizens contributed financially to help purchase the instruments, and volunteers ensured the space remained open for use on an ongoing basis.
This collaboration empowers the youth and strengthens the bonds within the community. The success of the Music Atelier proves that a single intervention can catalyze long-term positive changes and inspire further community-driven projects.
SETUP Small City Action project primarily operates at the local level, with interventions driven by SETUP members and the citizens of Visoko. These initiatives are generally based on the community’s needs and aim to activate unused or neglected spaces and revitalize programs that may have been missing due to a lack of resources.
In addition to SETUP members and local citizens, the project also involves the local government and small to medium-sized businesses. The local government provides essential administrative and logistical support and, depending on the scope of the project, may also contribute financially. Meanwhile, small and medium businesses support the project by supplying used or unused equipment, materials, tools, and additional funding.
Each intervention draws on the expertise of professionals from various fields, including artists, musicians, architects, urban planners, engineers, journalists, and entrepreneurs. Their involvement ensures that ideas are realized in practical, functional ways, leading to long-term, sustainable impacts for the community.
In addition to SETUP members and local citizens, the project also involves the local government and small to medium-sized businesses. The local government provides essential administrative and logistical support and, depending on the scope of the project, may also contribute financially. Meanwhile, small and medium businesses support the project by supplying used or unused equipment, materials, tools, and additional funding.
Each intervention draws on the expertise of professionals from various fields, including artists, musicians, architects, urban planners, engineers, journalists, and entrepreneurs. Their involvement ensures that ideas are realized in practical, functional ways, leading to long-term, sustainable impacts for the community.
The SETUP Small City Action project's design and implementation follow a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring each intervention is both creative and practical. The project integrates urban planning, architecture, art, music, mobility engineering, horticulture, and community development, focusing on local engagement and needs.
Urban planners and architects play a key role in identifying potential sites by conducting city-scale analyses to find underused, neglected spaces. They assess the priority of intervention for each site based on its potential and importance. For example, in the revitalization of the Matrakčija public space, architects identified the loss of value in this historically significant location due to its use as a disposal area and parking lot. With its connection to the birthplace of the famous cartographer Nasuh Matrakčija, this site had great potential for cultural activation. Architects, along with local artists and musicians, collaborated to develop creative ideas for transforming the space. Horticulturists are involved in the design process to ensure the inclusion of greenery in public spaces, helping to reduce temperatures and create a more pleasant environment.
Mobility engineers contribute by evaluating the accessibility of public spaces and exploring ways to rethink mobility strategies to prioritize pedestrians. One of SETUP’s initiatives successfully led to the local government converting a portion of Visoko’s main street into a pedestrian zone, reinforcing the importance of open, accessible spaces for all.
Also, journalists play a vital role in local publicity, informing citizens about events and interventions.
By focusing on bottom-up initiatives, SETUP Small City Action stands apart from mainstream practices, which typically prioritize large-scale, top-down approaches. This integration of disciplines ensures contextually relevant interventions and long-term, community-driven results.
Urban planners and architects play a key role in identifying potential sites by conducting city-scale analyses to find underused, neglected spaces. They assess the priority of intervention for each site based on its potential and importance. For example, in the revitalization of the Matrakčija public space, architects identified the loss of value in this historically significant location due to its use as a disposal area and parking lot. With its connection to the birthplace of the famous cartographer Nasuh Matrakčija, this site had great potential for cultural activation. Architects, along with local artists and musicians, collaborated to develop creative ideas for transforming the space. Horticulturists are involved in the design process to ensure the inclusion of greenery in public spaces, helping to reduce temperatures and create a more pleasant environment.
Mobility engineers contribute by evaluating the accessibility of public spaces and exploring ways to rethink mobility strategies to prioritize pedestrians. One of SETUP’s initiatives successfully led to the local government converting a portion of Visoko’s main street into a pedestrian zone, reinforcing the importance of open, accessible spaces for all.
Also, journalists play a vital role in local publicity, informing citizens about events and interventions.
By focusing on bottom-up initiatives, SETUP Small City Action stands apart from mainstream practices, which typically prioritize large-scale, top-down approaches. This integration of disciplines ensures contextually relevant interventions and long-term, community-driven results.
The innovative character of the SETUP Small City Action project lies in its holistic, community-centered approach to urban revitalization. Unlike traditional development models, which often prioritize large-scale, top-down planning, this initiative focuses on flexibility, sustainability, and local involvement, ensuring that citizens are not merely recipients of change but active participants in shaping their environment.
What sets this project apart is the long-term impact of repeated small interventions. Over time, activating unused public spaces sparks meaningful discussions that challenge the notion of helplessness or the belief that change is out of reach.
A prime example of this innovative approach is SETUP's work on transforming underused public spaces like Matrakčija Square and the Sicilija Riverbank Promenade. These interventions prompted the local government to reconsider the needs of citizens, ultimately leading to the decision to turn a portion of the adjacent main street into a pedestrian zone. As a result, the entire street is undergoing reconstruction, with plans to close off the upper part to vehicles entirely. The project is to revitalize public spaces, including Matrakčija Square, contributing to the broader goal of creating pedestrian-friendly, community-oriented areas.
This example illustrates how small-scale interventions in public spaces can create powerful narratives, spark discussions, and ultimately drive long-term impact. The project's innovative approach, through consistent, community-driven actions, demonstrates that even modest changes can lead to substantial and lasting urban transformation.
What sets this project apart is the long-term impact of repeated small interventions. Over time, activating unused public spaces sparks meaningful discussions that challenge the notion of helplessness or the belief that change is out of reach.
A prime example of this innovative approach is SETUP's work on transforming underused public spaces like Matrakčija Square and the Sicilija Riverbank Promenade. These interventions prompted the local government to reconsider the needs of citizens, ultimately leading to the decision to turn a portion of the adjacent main street into a pedestrian zone. As a result, the entire street is undergoing reconstruction, with plans to close off the upper part to vehicles entirely. The project is to revitalize public spaces, including Matrakčija Square, contributing to the broader goal of creating pedestrian-friendly, community-oriented areas.
This example illustrates how small-scale interventions in public spaces can create powerful narratives, spark discussions, and ultimately drive long-term impact. The project's innovative approach, through consistent, community-driven actions, demonstrates that even modest changes can lead to substantial and lasting urban transformation.
A Small Intervention, a Big Impact
The scale and cost of a project are less important than its impact on the city and community. Our approach is based on the idea that small, thoughtful interventions can drive long-term change. Every project is designed to raise awareness, inspire new initiatives, and spark discussion. A great example is the Music Atelier in Visoko, which provided new opportunities for local bands and revitalized the city’s cultural life using low resources.
Architecture and Design as a Tool for Social Change / Sharing
We see each project as a chance to reconsider the role of architecture and design in everyday life, forming multidisciplinary teams along the way. Through initiatives like the MMS Festival at KTK former industrial hall, we explore how neglected spaces can become moderators for interaction, cultural creativity, and community connection. Architecture is not just about designing static spaces; it’s about creating dynamic environments for shared experiences and dialogue. Our mission is to bring architecture closer to people and put it in service of the daily needs of the community.
Designing Situations and Environments
We don’t just design objects; we use events, such as festivals, to test spatial possibilities. We stimulate dialogue and bring spaces to life through shared activities and experiences. Projects like Family Day on the promenade involve the community in the realization process, fostering a sense of ownership over the changes and outcomes.
Projects for the Community, by the Community
Engagement with citizens is at the heart of every project. Through donations, volunteer work, and local support, we ensure that projects respond to the community's actual needs. We believe that the involvement of community members is essential for creating sustainable, meaningful, and authentic solutions.
The scale and cost of a project are less important than its impact on the city and community. Our approach is based on the idea that small, thoughtful interventions can drive long-term change. Every project is designed to raise awareness, inspire new initiatives, and spark discussion. A great example is the Music Atelier in Visoko, which provided new opportunities for local bands and revitalized the city’s cultural life using low resources.
Architecture and Design as a Tool for Social Change / Sharing
We see each project as a chance to reconsider the role of architecture and design in everyday life, forming multidisciplinary teams along the way. Through initiatives like the MMS Festival at KTK former industrial hall, we explore how neglected spaces can become moderators for interaction, cultural creativity, and community connection. Architecture is not just about designing static spaces; it’s about creating dynamic environments for shared experiences and dialogue. Our mission is to bring architecture closer to people and put it in service of the daily needs of the community.
Designing Situations and Environments
We don’t just design objects; we use events, such as festivals, to test spatial possibilities. We stimulate dialogue and bring spaces to life through shared activities and experiences. Projects like Family Day on the promenade involve the community in the realization process, fostering a sense of ownership over the changes and outcomes.
Projects for the Community, by the Community
Engagement with citizens is at the heart of every project. Through donations, volunteer work, and local support, we ensure that projects respond to the community's actual needs. We believe that the involvement of community members is essential for creating sustainable, meaningful, and authentic solutions.
The SETUP Small City Action project offers an adaptable model that can be replicated in various settings, from individual public spaces to entire neighborhoods or even larger urban areas. The methodology behind the project is straightforward: it involves citizen participation in the process, uses events as a design tool to activate neglected spaces, and recycles materials and ideas to create a lasting impact.
One example of how this methodology can be transferred is the activation of the Music Atelier. The project successfully engaged citizens in every stage by transforming the unused room of a former cinema into a creative space for local youth—from fundraising to ongoing volunteer efforts. The intervention, which involved small-scale adaptation rather than large construction, provided young people with access to free music practice spaces. This opportunity had previously been unavailable in the area.
This example illustrates how the approach of revitalizing neglected spaces with minimal intervention while prioritizing local involvement can be replicated elsewhere. Whether in other small towns or larger cities, the methodology can be applied to spaces with cultural or social potential, ensuring they meet the community's needs and have a long-term impact. The process also encourages public-private partnerships, as demonstrated in the Music Atelier project, where local businesses and government played an essential role in the project's success. By engaging local stakeholders, this model can inspire further investment and foster a sense of shared responsibility for urban revitalization across different regions.
One example of how this methodology can be transferred is the activation of the Music Atelier. The project successfully engaged citizens in every stage by transforming the unused room of a former cinema into a creative space for local youth—from fundraising to ongoing volunteer efforts. The intervention, which involved small-scale adaptation rather than large construction, provided young people with access to free music practice spaces. This opportunity had previously been unavailable in the area.
This example illustrates how the approach of revitalizing neglected spaces with minimal intervention while prioritizing local involvement can be replicated elsewhere. Whether in other small towns or larger cities, the methodology can be applied to spaces with cultural or social potential, ensuring they meet the community's needs and have a long-term impact. The process also encourages public-private partnerships, as demonstrated in the Music Atelier project, where local businesses and government played an essential role in the project's success. By engaging local stakeholders, this model can inspire further investment and foster a sense of shared responsibility for urban revitalization across different regions.
SETUP Small City Action project addresses several global challenges by providing local, context-specific solutions. These challenges include architectural and urban revitalization, sustainability through recycled and low-impact resources, and cultural preservation with a focus on nurturing a sense of belonging.
Architectural and Urban Revitalization
Small-scale interventions transform neglected spaces into creative, functional centers. By giving new life to forgotten spaces over time, SETUP creates opportunities for revitalization. Temporarily transforming unused spaces allows the local community and government to recognize their potential and consider long-term development projects that can benefit the city.
Sustainability through Recycled, Low-Impact Resources
The project prioritizes minimal intervention and recycling existing structures, using materials that would otherwise be considered unattractive. This approach reduces the environmental impact typically associated with large-scale construction and promotes a circular development model. In the face of climate change and resource depletion, this sustainable practice advocates for more eco-conscious and thoughtful urban interventions.
Cultural Preservation with a Focus on Sense of Belonging
In cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as globally, rapid urbanization and migration from small towns to larger cities have led to a loss of local identity and community values. The project counteracts this trend by encouraging community engagement and active participation in designing and utilizing public spaces. It empowers local citizens to take ownership of their environment, strengthening social cohesion and fostering a renewed sense of belonging.
Architectural and Urban Revitalization
Small-scale interventions transform neglected spaces into creative, functional centers. By giving new life to forgotten spaces over time, SETUP creates opportunities for revitalization. Temporarily transforming unused spaces allows the local community and government to recognize their potential and consider long-term development projects that can benefit the city.
Sustainability through Recycled, Low-Impact Resources
The project prioritizes minimal intervention and recycling existing structures, using materials that would otherwise be considered unattractive. This approach reduces the environmental impact typically associated with large-scale construction and promotes a circular development model. In the face of climate change and resource depletion, this sustainable practice advocates for more eco-conscious and thoughtful urban interventions.
Cultural Preservation with a Focus on Sense of Belonging
In cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as globally, rapid urbanization and migration from small towns to larger cities have led to a loss of local identity and community values. The project counteracts this trend by encouraging community engagement and active participation in designing and utilizing public spaces. It empowers local citizens to take ownership of their environment, strengthening social cohesion and fostering a renewed sense of belonging.
SETUP creates narratives within neglected spaces, working closely with communities in need. These narratives are framed as positive opportunities for both the space and its people. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, many public and private spaces have fallen into neglect due to the challenges of a transitional economy. These spaces require urgent attention to restore their purpose and serve the community.
One such example is Visoko’s former cinema, which is centrally located and had been out of operation for over a decade. Before the 1990s war, this cinema was a central cultural center for the community. Since the end of the war, the cinema slowly closed its doors, and over time, it became completely neglected, leaving residents without an important cultural resource. SETUP sought to revitalize the space with a small intervention, transforming a single room into a music atelier.
Although only one room was renovated, the impact has been profound. The music atelier has helped produce four self-organized, youth-driven music bands in Visoko. In the past three years, SETUP has used the neglected public space adjacent to the cinema to host the Kulin Ban art, film, and music festival. While films were screened in the public space, the cinema’s doors opened, transforming its main hall into a concert venue. Its unique acoustics and atmosphere have brought a fresh perspective to the community. The revitalization of this space has given the people of Visoko hope, demonstrating that even in a small town, culture can enter in diverse forms.
The outcome of this transformation has given the community a renewed sense of purpose and given the youth the opportunity to recognize the potential of their small-scale city. Overall, SETUP Small City Action strives to inspire the citizens of Visoko to stay and grow together with their city.
One such example is Visoko’s former cinema, which is centrally located and had been out of operation for over a decade. Before the 1990s war, this cinema was a central cultural center for the community. Since the end of the war, the cinema slowly closed its doors, and over time, it became completely neglected, leaving residents without an important cultural resource. SETUP sought to revitalize the space with a small intervention, transforming a single room into a music atelier.
Although only one room was renovated, the impact has been profound. The music atelier has helped produce four self-organized, youth-driven music bands in Visoko. In the past three years, SETUP has used the neglected public space adjacent to the cinema to host the Kulin Ban art, film, and music festival. While films were screened in the public space, the cinema’s doors opened, transforming its main hall into a concert venue. Its unique acoustics and atmosphere have brought a fresh perspective to the community. The revitalization of this space has given the people of Visoko hope, demonstrating that even in a small town, culture can enter in diverse forms.
The outcome of this transformation has given the community a renewed sense of purpose and given the youth the opportunity to recognize the potential of their small-scale city. Overall, SETUP Small City Action strives to inspire the citizens of Visoko to stay and grow together with their city.
