What we do
Clubture Network is a non-profit, inclusive, participatory network of organizations working on strengthening the independent cultural sector through program networking, raising public visibility, encouraging organizational development of the sector and strengthening its influence on the institutional framework in which it operates.
Our membership comprises over 60 organizations (non governmental and artistic organizations) active in areas of cultural and artistic expression. List of our member organizations is available at this link (in Croatian).
Main program activities of the Network involve: facilitation of direct program cooperation between independent cultural organizations; strengthening organizations’ capacities for programming and organizational management; as well as strengthening their capacities for participation in policy making and advocacy in cultural field.
The network operates as a collaborative platform through which independent cultural organisations directly implement mutual projects: cultural and artistic public events in different cities in Croatia, gathering different local audiences, mostly young people and those living in smaller communities, often socially and culturally deprived. Main programme of the network “Clubture-Hr: Programme exchange and cooperation”, around which the platform was established has been continuously realized since 2002. In period 2002-2015 over 200 independent cultural organisations collaborated in production of over 200 mutual projects that took place in over 80 cities and towns in Croatia. More than 80% of all events throughout the years have been organised outside the capital of Zagreb, thus the program continuously gives a significant contribution to the decentralization of cultural production and the democratization of culture in Croatia.
Throughout years, in addition to the program exchange and collaboration Clubture has conducted a number of different activities aimed at strengthening capacities and recognition of the independent cultural scene, primarily in Croatia, but also in the Region of SEE. These activities included media programs (including portal www.kulturpunkt.hr spin-offed in 2009, the only media in Croatia dedicated to the independent cultural practices and contemporary arts), educational programs (seminars, workshops, exchange of knowledge and skills, cultural operators’ residencies, national gatherings of organizations) and advocacy activities in the field of cultural policy and youth policy (coordination of local activities of members, advocating on national level). Through program exchange, transfer of knowledge and various other activities Clubture has initiated gathering of independent cultural organisations in the Region of SEE.
Clubture Network is also engaged in advocacy and monitoring policy developments in culture, and other relevant areas such as civil society development and preservation of public goods. During past 15 years we have initiated, or have been actively involved in various advocacy actions concerned with improving the position of the independent cultural sector in the context of cultural policies in Croatia. Besides that, the Network has also actively engaged in campaigns covering issues of preservation of public goods (Campaign for Cvjetni square and Varšavska street in Zagreb and the campaign for referendum on the concession on highways in Croatia).