11 Open Practice

Number of votes

713 (567 paper/146 online)

1. The Project in a Nutshell

Offering open time slots dedicated to artistic activities—free of charge and open to the public—right in the heart of Lausanne: dance, circus, capoeira...

2. The Project’s Objective

In Lausanne, there is still no open, free space for local artists from all backgrounds: hip-hop, contemporary dance, circus arts, Afro-dance, etc. Only the most privileged can afford to rent a private venue. The health crisis has exacerbated inequalities and precarious conditions for Swiss artists. It seems essential that our city, like many others, offer a space for free expression and gathering for its artists—one that is free and open to the public.

3. The Project in Detail

We have a cultural and artistic space in the heart of Lausanne, at 25b Rue Centrale, the “Paname Academy” studio, and our observation is as follows: Today in Lausanne, many artists are looking for a place where they can practice, create, and meet. In many cities in Switzerland and around the world, there are spaces with time slots open to artists and the public—free of charge. There are many performance venues (theaters, halls), but none open to the creative process. The most privileged artists find places to practice, but a large portion of the community is left behind. The idea is for the public to also be able to meet and interact directly with the artists. We are asking for the city’s support so that we can offer more time slots and welcome its artists and the public year-round. We already have the venue, the equipment (wooden floor, sound system, dressing room), and connections with a large part of Lausanne’s artistic community. We are calling on our city to support this project and, through it, its culture.

4. The amount requested to carry out the project

20,000 CHF

• Online communication (social media, website, newsletter), print communication (posters, flyers): 1,400 CHF

• Venue rental, administrative costs: 16,800 CHF

• Venue cleaning: 1,800 CHF

5. Neighborhood(s)

Center

6. The Association

Paname Academy