Common Spaces

About the initiative

Common Spaces is a new Trans Europe Halles (TEH) network initiative that builds on the research and insights of The Network Project (TNP) – a foundational effort that shaped TEH from 2021 to 2024.

Over the past few years, TEH has expanded in scope, expertise and influence. Common Spaces is the natural next step, strengthening TEH as a platform for exchange and collaboration, a knowledge and resource hub, and a driving force for social and urban transformation.

Funded by the Creative Europe Programme’s special programme for cultural networks, Common Spaces will run from 2025 to 2028. During this period, Trans Europe Halles will work closely with our members – 160+ cultural centres from 40+ countries in Europe and beyond, providing various tools, methods, skills and connections to help them become more resilient, sustainable and deeply engaged with their communities.

Many Trans Europe Halles members operate in repurposed buildings – former industrial sites, factories, schools, warehouses, and other heritage spaces. These places are deeply rooted in their communities, yet they face growing pressures from shifting political landscapes and climate change, rising energy costs and inflation, underinvestment in cultural infrastructure and so on.

Being deeply rooted in TEH values such as community, solidarity, exchange and radical democracy, Common Spaces is designed to empower these cultural spaces – helping them remain relevant, take an active and responsible role in society, and thrive in the face of change.

Led by the TEH Coordination Office, Common Spaces will ensure that both the TEH network and its members benefit from shared knowledge, strengthened collaboration and long-term capacity-building.

What will Common Space do?

Common Spaces is here to empower TEH members, giving them the tools, skills, and connections to strengthen their role in society. Our focus is on solidarity, sustainability and democracy – helping independent cultural spaces thrive, collaborate and lead change.

Transforming TEH into a platform for solidarity and international cooperation

We believe in the power of grassroots cultural spaces to unite across borders. Common Spaces will expand TEH’s reach, creating stronger connections between cultural organisations in Europe and beyond. Through intercultural dialogue, artistic collaboration and skill-sharing, we’ll foster deep partnerships with cultural spaces in Ukraine, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and MENA countries. Special working groups will be set up under TEH East European and Mediterranean Hubs to make these partnerships meaningful and long-lasting.

📌 Why this matters: Culture is a powerful force for co-creation and international collaboration. Strengthening these ties ensures that grassroots cultural spaces remain a bridge between communities, artists and policymakers.

Creating a knowledge hub for a sustainable future

Cultural spaces are more than venues – they are drivers of urban transformation. Common Spaces will become a go-to resource for knowledge exchange on sustainable urban transitions, cultural heritage retrofitting and community-led green initiatives. We’ll focus on practical, low-cost and accessible solutions that cultural workers can implement, while also advocating for policy changes that remove barriers to a civil society-led green transition.

At the same time, we will push for public investment to prioritize the energy transition of cultural and heritage buildings, ensuring that independent cultural spaces are seen as essential infrastructure for a sustainable future.

📌 Why this matters: Culture and climate action go hand in hand. By empowering cultural workers with knowledge and tools, we can lead a green and just transition in the sector.

Strengthening cultural centres as safe spaces for democracy and innovation

Cultural spaces are more than places for art – they are spaces of civic engagement, democratic participation and social innovation. Common Spaces will help TEH members share knowledge, tools and resources to strengthen youth engagement, digital and green transformation, as well as social participation in their communities.

📌 Why this matters: Culture inspires change. By ensuring cultural spaces remain strongholds of democracy, social participation and digital innovation, we reinforce their role as vital public spaces for the future.

Who is involved into Common Spaces?

Common Spaces is a collective effort, bringing together cultural changemakers from across Europe and beyond. From independent cultural spaces to local communities, policymakers, and global networks, this initiative thrives on collaboration, shared knowledge, and collective action.

Led by Trans Europe Halles

At the heart of Common Spaces is Trans Europe Halles Coordination Office with its headquarters in Lund, Southern Sweden, driving the project forward. As a network of 160+ cultural centres in 40+ countries, TEH provides the backbone for exchange, advocacy and capacity-building, ensuring that cultural spaces remain strong, independent, and future-ready.

Who takes part?

TEH members – Every TEH member is invited to take part in Common Spaces. Whether through training, workshops, collaborative projects, or dedicated working groups, members can shape the programme, contribute their expertise and gain new insights.
Artists & cultural workers – Independent artists, creatives, and cultural professionals linked to TEH spaces are an essential part of the project, using their artistic practices and knowledge to drive community engagement, sustainability, and innovation.
Local communities – Cultural spaces exist for and with their communities. Common Spaces will involve local audiences, including young people and underrepresented groups, to ensure that culture remains a force for inclusion and empowerment.
Local policymakers & governments – The sustainability of cultural spaces depends on policies that support them. Common Spaces will engage municipalities, urban planners, and decision-makers to advocate for long-term investment, flexible regulations, and stronger support for independent culture.
Global cultural & civil society networks – TEH is not alone in this fight. Common Spaces will collaborate with international organisations, cultural networks and civil society groups to exchange best practices, amplify advocacy efforts, and reinforce the global movement for independent culture.

A collective movement for cultural resilience

Culture is stronger when we work together. Through Common Spaces, cultural organisations, artists, communities and policymakers will join forces to co-create solutions, share knowledge, and build a thriving, sustainable cultural ecosystem.

Methodologies and approach

Common Spaces applies a diverse set of methodologies to foster effective collaboration across the TEH network. These approaches are rooted in participation, inclusivity and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that cultural spaces are empowered to thrive in rapidly changing environments.

Commoning

Commoning is about shared resources – both material and immaterial – with communities collectively defining how they are used, governed and enriched. Common Spaces will develop and strengthen the network’s commons, ensuring that cultural spaces have greater autonomy, collaboration and resilience throughout the project.

Placemaking

Drawing from TEH’s experience and international placemaking organisations like Project for Public Spaces and Placemaking Europe, this method offers frameworks for sustainable urban transformation and social justice-focused urban planning. It centres citizens as experts of their own neighbourhoods, placing them at the heart of urban design and decision-making.

Participatory governance

This approach maps stakeholders, builds synergies and establishes co-management and co-governance structures. It is a key part of TEH’s decentralisation strategy, ensuring that the development of hubs is driven by shared leadership and inclusive decision-making.

Social sciences methods

To better understand and serve TEH members, Common Spaces will rely on data collection and analysis to shape evidence-based policies. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods – including surveys, mapping, case studies and interviews – will provide valuable insights into the needs, challenges, and opportunities within the network.

Peer learning & experiential education

This collaborative learning model creates spaces for cultural professionals to share knowledge, address misunderstandings, and develop skills together. Common Spaces will enhance peer-learning through learning by doing and the critical pedagogy of space – ensuring that practical, real-world experience is at the heart of the learning process.

Rhizomatic thinking

Inspired by non-hierarchical, interconnected systems, rhizomatic thinking describes a resilient and adaptive organisational structure that thrives through connection, multiplicity, and diversity. It ensures that Common Spaces is agile, flexible, and responsive to evolving challenges.

"Inreach" methodology

"Inreach" transforms cultural spaces from within, introducing new cultural protocols and ways of working. By centering community engagement, rethinking hospitality and fostering diverse representation, this method ensures that artists and audiences from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued and included.

Funders & partners

🔹 European Union – Funded through the Creative Europe Programme under the European Networks of Cultural and Creative Organisations (CREA-CULT-2024-NET) call, managed by European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

🔹 Swedish Arts Council – Provides co-funding to strengthen the initiative.