This is a real ‘web’, just like a spider’s – a place of connections – ideas – information – of dreams!
Our aim is to make it a Web of Hubs for alternative and free cultural spaces and people
The idea is to provide a loose-knit, non-hierarchical, web-based resource network for a wide range of what we are calling ‘Free Cultural Spaces’ (FCS). They wouldn’t necessarily use that term to describe themselves, but we need a simple, non-threatening term!
Boom Festival in Portugal takes place every two years at present. An important site for permaculture, EDM and new kinds of environmental/global thoughts!
Brithdir Mawr Collective in Wales, UK. “A community working towards sustainability” is how they describe themselves. They co-run an 85 acre farm site. Links here to their website.
Originating in Germany, they say that, "We are an intentional Christian community of more than 2,700 people living in twenty-three settlements on four continents. We are a fellowship of families and singles, practicing radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem."
Some view them as a cult. Links to their official site and one that is critical.
Burning Man Festival – a city in a desert in the USA. A unique space and experience. Check it out.
Camphill communities. They provide opportunities for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs to live, learn and work together with others in an atmosphere of mutual respect and equality.
There are more than 100 Camphill communities in over 20 countries in Europe, North America, southern Africa and India.
Started as a squatted ‘social centre’. It provides a community home in the old leper hospital in the Collserola Park on the outskirts of Barcelona. There are five agro-ecological projects at various stages of operation.
Their site says:
“The valley of Can Masdeu is a network of projects that resists, at the rhythm of the seasons, the voracity of a city without limits. It is a creative act of disobedience to the world of money, smoke, noise and speed.”
A struggling, but innovative eco-experiment a metro ride out of Barcelona in Spain.
They say: “In Collserola National Park, an ecologically lush area has been reclaimed for an autonomous experiment called Can Masdeu. It was once a hospital to treat leprosy, but its mansion and broad grounds sat idle for half a century. Its co-owners were likely speculating on the growing land value. 15 years ago a group of squatters, activists and environmentalists, both local and international, ascended into the space.”
Links to their main site and an article about the community.
An innovative co-housing group in Colchester, England designed specifically to meet the needs for older residents to live more communally. They say that:
“Our goal is to create a cohousing community that embodies the following values:
Good neighbourliness – in supporting each other within the cohousing community and in making a positive contribution to the social, economic and cultural life of our locality, Old Heath, Colchester and the surrounding area.
Active ageing – as a way of encouraging participation, health, independence and environmental awareness.
Eco awareness – embodied in low energy design, sharing of resources and more integrated living arrangements.”
Born in Scotland in Melrose in 1812, but made her name as an Australian communitarian and visionary Utopian. Earliest Australian female politician (though oft thwarted). Famous for books, especially ‘Handfasted’ and ‘A week in the Future’. In her time, she was regarded as ‘socialist and dangerous’. Died in 1910.
Link to the Wikipedia entry.
C.A.T. Physically based in Wales, UK, but a useful on-line resource for all. Lots of practical information on renewable, alternative technologies and sustainability.