RETHINK is a European project that promotes the co-creation of inclusive, sustainable, and beautiful public spaces. It responds to the post-pandemic decline in public trust and civic participation—especially among vulnerable groups—by empowering citizens to engage in shaping their urban environment.
By fostering collaboration through art and culture, RETHINK brings to life the principles of the New European Bauhaus: sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, cities across Europe have experienced increased polarisation and reduced participation in public life. This is particularly true for young people, minorities, and vulnerable groups who often feel disconnected from decision-making processes and excluded from public spaces.
RETHINK addresses this challenge by creating opportunities for dialogue, expression, and civic involvement. Public spaces are transformed into safe and creative meeting places, where all voices can be heard.
RETHINK aims to strengthen all citizens’ participation—especially those from underrepresented groups—in reimagining cities through:
Participatory cultural initiatives
Co-creation of public art
Community-based planning
Knowledge-sharing between local authorities
The project draws directly from the New European Bauhaus Initiative, connecting artistic expression with democratic values and social cohesion.
RETHINK aims to promote the co-creation of inclusive, creative and beautiful meeting spaces in the partnering cities.
The general objective of the project is to strengthen all citizens’ participation—particularly that of vulnerable groups and minorities—in rethinking the city as an inclusive, sustainable, and beautiful place through art and culture.
This ambition directly reflects the goals of the New European Bauhaus Initiative.
Specifically, RETHINK aims to:
Define and improve strategies for active participation, in order to redesign urban spaces based on the principles of the New European Bauhaus.
Engage citizens at local level in fostering a sense of community, with special attention to young adults, minorities, and vulnerable people.
Increase safety in cities by co-creating public art with marginalised groups, strengthening democratic resilience and freedom of expression through cultural initiatives.
Promote cooperation among public authorities, local associations, and stakeholders, both locally and at European level, to advance projects that support inclusive, sustainable, and beautiful urban development.
Duration: 2025–2027
Coordinator: Municipality of Parma (Italy)
Partners: Cities from Sweden, Latvia, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, and Finland
Funding: Co-funded by CERV Programme of the European Union
