`Free Space Policy Assignment` - Municipality of Amsterdam

Since 2015, we have been engaged in European research and development projects and worked for local senates and administrations, advising on new policies and collaborative practices. The objective/aim of the Free Space Policy research was to uncover the needs of Amsterdam based self organized cultural initiatives when it comes to their access to free space. What are they lacking? How could governance structures look like when it comes to the facilitation of self-organisation? How can we restore trust between self-organized actors and local governments? 
Space of Urgency consulted Amsterdams’ Senate of Culture and the municipal departments of Bureau Broedplaatsen and Ruimte & Duurzaamheid to form an advice and concrete policy direction that can support socio-cultural initiatives in their attainment of free space. A ‘Quick-Scan Methodology’ formed the research approach by which the basic needs of the potential user-base was cross-examined under a scope of statutory and legal requirements. Moreover, the research brought attention to international best practices, instruments and structures that support positive cooperation between civil society and local government. The results of the research are currently being evaluated by the Municipality, with phase two of the pilot research set to begin in early 2020.
Link to full report (NL)Link to executive summary (EN)
Link to website CIty of Amsterdam -Free Space Policy (NL)

Connected format - Roundtables: Free Space Assignment (Amsterdam, 2019)

As part of the Space of Urgency Advisory Report for the Free Space Assignment of Amsterdam a series of roundtables were held with social-cultural initiators and Free Space seekers. During the roundtables we explored potential new frameworks on how the Municipality can support their self-organized practices and develop a policy that supports such needs.

yes, we cooperate

Do you see any Teletubbies in here? Do you see a slender plastic tag clipped to my shirt with my name printed on it?