SHAKE IT…#WEPLAYCULTURE
SHAKE IT…#weplayculture, an urban intervention inspired by the need to create innovative community spaces that encourage healthy social interaction and social cohesion, utilises street sports and culture as a tool to push the boundaries of traditional community spaces. The project engages young people coming from all walks of life, including young migrants and refugees, where they have the opportunity to play, be active and socialise in a healthy environment as well as feel closer to the community and the society they live in.
The open street sessions are held in various communities around Malta and Gozo with specific focus on Valletta. Public Squares and parking spaces are being transformed into temporary playgrounds, promoting a myriad of activities including, hip hop, street basket, graffiti workshops, panna and street soccer, among others. The sessions are organised and led by a group of committed young people who every Saturday evening take the initiative to turn parking spaces and public spaces in the city into a blank canvas allowing other young people to participate and engage in their favourite activities while making friends across divides.
The overall aim of the project is to promote public places as inclusive community spaces that promote well-being and social cohesion. We believe that once provided with the right opportunities and resources, young people themselves become agents of positive social change, hence leaving a positive impact on the community and the future generations to come.
SHAKE IT…#weplayculture was awarded the Charlemagne Youth Prize for Malta 2019 by the European Commission.
