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FIKA Pop-Up Experience
FIKA Pop-Up Experience: Reviving Community Bonds Through Creativity, Conversation and Shared Moments
FIKA Pop-Up Experience is an open, ever-changing creative gathering where anyone can join, connect and create. Held in different locations, each event transforms a space into a hub for art, conversation and spontaneous fun. There is welcoming atmosphere where people can express themselves, choose from different activity, meet new friends and feel part of a creative community. Whether painting, crafting or simply enjoying the vibe, FIKA is about belonging, self-expression and shared moments
North Macedonia
Local
Skopje
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-02-15
No
No
No
As an individual

FIKA Pop-Up Experience transforms a regular night out into something special. Held in different bars, FIKA invites participants to enjoy drinks, relax, and get creative through hands-on craft activities. Whether paint, working with clay, making bouquets or vision board participants engage in creative expression that promotes well-being, relaxation and social connection, turning socializing into a meaningful, fun experience.
-Target Group(s): FIKA is for anyone looking for a different kind of night out. It’s ideal for individuals who want to enjoy creative activities while spending time with friends/partners. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, FIKA offers a welcoming environment for people to unwind and engage in hands-on creativity.
-Specific Objective(s): To offer an upgraded night out, combining craft activities with drinks and socializing in a laid-back setting. To provide a creative outlet that promotes relaxation, well-being and connection. To get community engagement by hosting events in various locations, ensuring diverse groups can come together and share positive experiences.
-Achieved Outcomes:
Stronger community connections: FIKA has united people from different backgrounds, helping them bond through creativity in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
Increased social well-being: Participants feel more relaxed and connected after engaging in creative activities.
Positive shift in social culture: FIKA has redefined the typical night out by offering a meaningful, creative experience.
Sustained interest: People return to FIKA not only for the crafts but for the chance to socialize, share experiences and unwind.
FIKA's moto is: Pause. Connect. Create
Creativity
Community
Well- being
Social Connection
Inclusivity
The FIKA Pop-Up Experience gives sustainability in all it's aspects, ensuring each event has a positive impact on people and the environment, blending creativity with eco-consciousness.
Mindful Material Sourcing: For each FIKA event, I carefully select natural, eco-friendly materials. From clay, a natural material for pottery, to dry flowers instead of plastic, every choice reflects a commitment to sustainability.
Zero-Waste Approach: FIKA adopts a zero-waste philosophy. Any leftover materials from the crafting activities are stored and reused, ensuring they continue to serve a purpose in future events.
Natural, Eco-Friendly Elements: By incorporating elements like dry flowers and recycled paper, FIKA not only promotes sustainability but also connects participants with nature. These materials inspire creativity while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Reusing and Repurposing: It's about reusing and repurposing.. It’s about giving new life to what would otherwise be discarded. For example, magazines are repurposed for vision boards, reducing waste while adding a unique, creative element to each event. Materials that remain after each event are stored and used in future FIKA events, creating a continuous cycle of sustainability.
FIKA is a model for how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. Through careful material selection, reusing supplies, and ensuring minimal waste, FIKA demonstrates that enjoyable, meaningful experiences can be created without harming the environment. It encourages participants to be mindful of their impact on the planet and adopt more sustainable practices. FIKA shows that by making small, intentional choices, we can create lasting, positive changes for the environment.
FIKA’s key objective in terms of aesthetics and the quality of experience is to create a visually inspiring and culturally enriching environment that enhances the participants' sense of well-being and personal fulfillment. By combining creativity with social interaction, the project provides a space where design, art and human connection intertwine to create a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

The carefully chosen activities, such as clay modelling, vision boarding with repurposed materials and dry flower arrangements, are designed not only for artistic expression but also to engage participants in crafting experiences. These creative processes encourage self-expression while introducing participants to new forms of art and design. The use of natural materials, like clay and dried flowers, adds to the aesthetic appeal of the event and promotes sustainability by showcasing beauty in repurposed materials.

FIKA’s venue selection, such as local coffee bars, is integral to the experience, as it provides a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that blends the warmth of socializing with the energy of creativity. The informal, non-structured format allows individuals to engage in meaningful activities that enhance their creativity without the pressure of rigid rules or expectations. This fluidity and freedom of choice ensure that each participant’s experience is unique and personally satisfying.

FIKA exemplifies how aesthetics and design can enrich people’s lives by blending art, culture, and social interaction. The emphasis on creative freedom, the use of beautiful and sustainable materials, and the intimate, welcoming environment make FIKA a model for projects that aim to elevate quality of life through design and cultural engagement.
FIKA’s core objective is to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can participate in creative and social activities that promote well-being. By hosting events in easily accessible local venues like coffee bars, FIKA ensures that the space is open to diverse groups within the community, removing barriers such as financial or social exclusion. This approach guarantees that no prior skills or registrations are required, making it affordable and approachable for all.

The event’s flexible and open format further supports inclusion. Participants are free to choose their own craft, whether it's pottery, vision boarding, or other creative activities. This customization ensures that every individual can find a form of expression that resonates with them, fostering a deeper sense of engagement and personal satisfaction. In this way, FIKA empowers individuals to take ownership of their experience, allowing them to engage at their own pace without the pressure of formal structures.
Through its commitment to accessibility, affordability, and personal choice, FIKA serves as an exemplary model of how creativity and inclusive design can come together to form a vibrant, supportive community. By fostering an inclusive space for creative expression and social interaction, FIKA is not only addressing the current need for accessible and meaningful experiences but also promoting a new model for community-driven events that prioritize inclusivity and well-being.
FIKA is not just an event—it is shaped by the people who take part in it. From the very beginning, FIKA has been designed as an open, participatory experience where attendees actively influence the atmosphere, the creative process, and the emotional impact of the gathering. There can choose who to come with, and which creative activity speaks to them. This flexibility gives a sense of ownership and belonging, making each FIKA event a unique reflection of its participants.
To better understand and highlight the impact of the experience, attendees are invited to express how they feel before and after the event using dedicated "feeling cards." This simple but meaningful practice allows participants to reflect on their emotions, helping to capture how the event influences their mood and well-being. Many people arrive feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or simply disconnected from their creative side. By the end of the night, they often describe feelings of relaxation, joy and inspiration. These insights help FIKA grow and adapt, making sure it remains a meaningful and fulfilling experience that supports the emotional and social well-being of its participants.
Through this participant-driven approach, FIKA grows organically, shaped by the real experiences and emotions of those who take part. Each event is a collaboration between the space, the materials and the people who bring it to life. By offering an open, judgment-free space for creativity and connection, FIKA helps individuals feel more at ease, engaged, and included. It fosters a sense of belonging, showing that a simple night out with crafts and conversation can be a meaningful and enriching experience—one that leaves a lasting impact beyond the event itself.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience relies on the support of local coffee bars and locals, which provide the setting for each event. These venues recognize the value of FIKA in creating a warm, engaging atmosphere that brings people together through creativity. By hosting the event, they contribute to a sense of community while benefiting from an increase in visitors who experience their space in a new and meaningful way. Because it's very important that FIKA is happening in a ( café ) bar so it doesn't have workshop atmosphere. This model has already proven successful in Chicago, where local cafés welcomed FIKA, allowing it to connect with a diverse urban audience. I negotiate to bring FIKA to Vienna, expanding its reach and impact. While the project has not yet received direct EU involvement, its core values align with European initiatives focused on cultural engagement, inclusivity and reimagining social spaces.
FIKA’s ability to adapt to different locations shows its universal appeal—it thrives wherever there is a shared desire for connection, creativity and a more meaningful way to experience a night out.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience brings together elements from art, design, psychology and social engagement, creating a multidimensional space where creativity and well-being intersect. The project is rooted in the understanding that working with one’s hands—whether through crafting, painting, or assembling a vision board—can have a therapeutic effect, helping people relax, express emotions and connect with others in a natural way.
The fields of art and design shape the visual and tactile experience of FIKA. Carefully selected materials, from natural clay to repurposed magazines and dried flowers, ensure a sensory-rich environment that is both sustainable and aesthetically engaging. Each activity is designed to be intuitive and enjoyable, making creativity accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic background.
Psychology and emotional well-being play a key role, reflected in the way participants engage with the space and with one another.
The hospitality sector also plays a vital role, as FIKA is designed to seamlessly integrate into cafés and bars, enhancing social spaces without disrupting their usual function. The collaboration with venue owners ensures that FIKA remains open, inviting and easy to implement in different settings, from local coffee shops to international locations.
By bridging these disciplines, FIKA creates a new model for social gatherings—one that is more mindful, engaging, and enriching. The interaction between art, psychology, and hospitality results in an experience that is not only enjoyable but also deeply impactful, proving that creativity can be a bridge between disciplines and people alike.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience introduces a new approach to socializing, blending hands-on creativity with nightlife in a way that mainstream events do not. While traditional social outings—whether in bars, cafés, or cultural spaces—typically center around passive experiences like drinking, dining, or watching performances, FIKA actively engages participants by giving them the freedom to create, connect and reflect in a casual, pressure-free setting.
What sets FIKA apart is its balance of structure and flexibility. While reservations are required for the event to ensure enough space and materials for everyone, there is always the option for spontaneous participation. If someone wishes to join at the last minute, additional materials are available for them to engage in the activities. This blend of organized planning with room for spontaneous participation helps maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making the event accessible while still offering a sense of creative freedom.
Another key innovation is the integration of emotional well-being into a social setting. While mainstream art events focus on skill-building or artistic output, FIKA prioritizes the process of making as a therapeutic and social tool. Participants use "feeling cards" to reflect on their emotions before and after the event. This level of emotional engagement is rarely found in mainstream social activities. Additionally, FIKA’s use of existing social spaces—rather than dedicated art studios or workshop spaces—makes it more adaptable and accessible. Partnering with local bars and cafés, FIKA seamlessly transforms familiar venues into interactive creative hubs without disrupting their usual function. By combining social interaction, hands-on creativity, emotional reflection and sustainability, FIKA reinvents what a night out can be, making it more meaningful, engaging and inclusive compared to mainstream leisure activities.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience methodology blends structured programming with flexibility. Participants choose from a variety of creative activities—such as clay modeling, vision boarding, and floral arrangements—based on their personal interests and comfort level. This approach empowers individuals to take ownership of their creative process.
To measure emotional impact, FIKA incorporates reflection cards where participants note their feelings before and after the session. This not only provides valuable feedback for future events but also helps participants recognize the emotional benefits of creative engagement.
FIKA partners with local coffee bars and locals, making creative engagement more accessible and integrating it into everyday social life. This ensures that creativity is not confined to galleries or studios but is seamlessly woven into communal gathering spots.
Materials used in FIKA often include repurposed and natural elements—magazines for vision boards, dried flowers, and leftover craft supplies—promoting sustainability while encouraging resourceful creativity.
The success and impact of activities are tracked through surveys, observation, and engagement patterns. Insights from participant feedback and reflection cards guide future activity choices and event improvements.
Since the format is highly adaptable, it has been successfully replicated in different locations, such as Chicago, and maybe in Vienna. The simplicity of its methodology allows it to be easily transferred to other communities or cultural contexts.

This methodology ensures that FIKA remains inclusive, dynamic and deeply rooted in both individual creativity and collective experience, setting it apart from conventional creative events.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience is designed to be easily adaptable to different locations, audiences and contexts, making it highly transferable and replicable. Its core concept—bringing people together in a relaxed social setting to engage in hands-on creative activities—can be implemented in cafés, community centres, libraries, or cultural spaces worldwide. One of the most transferable elements of FIKA is its flexible methodology. Unlike structured workshops, FIKA allows participants to choose their own creative activity, work at their own pace and engage as much or as little as they like. This self-directed approach removes barriers to participation and makes the experience welcoming for all, regardless of skill level. The project also demonstrates resource efficiency and sustainability, which can be easily replicated. The mindful selection of materials—such as natural clay, dried flowers, and repurposed magazines—ensures minimal waste and promotes environmental consciousness- and are easily accessible every where. FIKA’s community-driven model makes it adaptable to different cultural and social contexts. It requires minimal infrastructure, as local cafés and social venues provide the space, creating a mutually beneficial collaboration. This approach has already been successfully implemented in multiple locations, including Chicago and hopefully Vienna. By following the same open, drop-in format and using locally sourced materials, anyone can bring FIKA to their own community. Additionally, the simple yet effective use of pre- and post-activity reflection cards can be applied in various social and therapeutic settings, encouraging emotional awareness and engagement. Ultimately, FIKA is not just an event but a replicable model for enhancing social well-being through creativity, making it accessible to diverse communities across different regions.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience addresses several global challenges—such as social isolation, mental well-being, and sustainable consumption—by providing local, community-driven solutions. One of the biggest challenges today is social disconnection. In an era where digital interactions often replace real-life connections, people struggle to find meaningful in-person social experiences. FIKA offers a solution by creating pressure-free gatherings where individuals can meet, talk, create. By integrating creative activities into social outings, FIKA makes spending time with others more engaging and fulfilling, strengthening local communities. Stress, anxiety and burnout are increasingly common and many people lack accessible ways to unwind and express themselves. FIKA provides an alternative form of self-care—using hands-on creativity as a therapeutic outlet. Crafting, painting and working with natural materials like clay engage the senses, calm the mind and improve emotional well-being. Through pre- and post-activity reflection cards, participants also become more aware of how creativity impacts their mood, helping them recognize its value in their daily lives. Also responds to the challenge of sustainability by promoting mindful material use. In a world where consumer culture often prioritizes cheap, we emphasizes resourcefulness and sustainability. The materials used—such as repurposed magazines, dried flowers instead of plastic decorations—demonstrate that creativity doesn’t have to come at an environmental cost. This approach encourages participants to rethink their consumption habits. By addressing these challenges at a local level, FIKA serves as a small but powerful model for social well-being, sustainable creativity and meaningful human connection—all of which are needed globally. Its adaptable format ensures that these solutions can be replicated in different cultural and geographic contexts, making FIKA a local initiative with global relevance.
FIKA Pop-Up Experience has had a profound impact, offering participants a unique mix of creativity, community and emotional well-being. Over 14 months, the project has fostered an inclusive environment where both new and returning attendees feel welcome.
Participants consistently report positive emotional shifts after attending. By reusing materials (magazines for vision boards, dried flowers instead of plastic, and leftover craft supplies for future events), FIKA promotes sustainable creative practices. Participants often express interest in applying these mindful habits at home, extending the impact beyond the event itself. Feeling cards, completed before and after each event, highlight improvements in mood, with many feeling more relaxed, inspired, and connected. This reflects FIKA’s success in promoting mental well-being through creative engagement. FIKA also benefits local businesses, partnering with coffee bars to host events, which helps increase foot traffic and visibility. This collaboration strengthens the local cultural scene by transforming everyday social spaces into creative hubs.
Sustainability is at the core of FIKA’s approach. Materials are carefully chosen, from eco-friendly clay to dried flowers, and magazines are repurposed for vision boards. Leftover supplies are reused at future events, fostering a cycle of minimal waste. The impact of FIKA has extended beyond direct participants, inspiring other cities to explore similar initiatives. Media coverage, including an interview for Deutsche Welle (DW) Macedonia and an upcoming feature in Sloboden Pecat (Слободен Печат), further highlights FIKA’s growing influence.
Through its inclusive, sustainable and creative approach, FIKA has established itself as a meaningful, community-driven initiative that enhances mental well-being, supports local businesses and fosters social connections.