Traveller Homes is the great site curated by Traveller Dave. Lots of fabulous images of live-in homes around the world.
Tribal Living Forum for folk who live a bit on the edge of so-called ‘normal’ society. UK-based but fairly global mix of members. Many are new Travellers or have been part of that scene.
A former barracks on the border of Germany and Netherlands, near Luneburg. It has been transformed into an arts community. It offers living spaces, workshops and creative events. They have a lovely statement of intent, which translates into English roughly as:
“We have the will, under the guidance of the ignorant, to do the impossible for the ungrateful. We have for so long, done so much with so little that we can do everything with nothing.”
Links to two of their sites.
A respected intentional community in Virginia, USA. Originally founded in 1967, it has adopted some interesting methods of community work and income-generation including making and selling hammocks and tofu.
Links to their website to a remarkably good collection of photos and an interesting article about their community featured in the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper.
Umsonst and Draussen: Sandy Santen in Germany tells us that there are still free festivals running, they are called U&D, which means ‘umsonst und draussen’, in English, ‘free and outside’. And he says: ‘There is an even bigger one in Poland, this year 750,000 people joined it’. This features the Polish Woodstock festival.
After the closure of Tacheles Arts Academy, ufa Fabrik remains an important ‘alternative arts’ space in Germany’s Berlin in Tempelhof. They describe it as a ‘cultural oasis’. It started life as a squat back in 1979 when the old Universal film studios were occupied. There are still a core of permanent residents and it is described as an eco-village. It hosts many diverse events and festivals.
This is the link to the official site.
Undercurrents have produced some world-renowned documentary films offering alternative news and countercultural views. Now based in Wales. The link site includes a potted history about their film-making. Their films include documentaries on eco-villages and the Mayan people.
Dutch, Amsterdam-based innovative housing organisation. Their site says: “Urban Resort realizes inexpensive space for the cultural, social and creative sector by transforming vacant property in lively (living) work spaces with a public function and a cultural influence. All buildings play an active role in the neighborhood or city. By reusing buildings and encouraging self Urban Resort can create affordable places.”
To celebrate the publication of Thomas More’s ‘Utopia’ 500 years ago, lots of international events – festivals, conferences, music and arts are planned.
Here are two links.
In 1997 in the country of Lithuania, the residents of the area declared the Republic of Užupis, along with its own flag, currency, president, cabinet of ministers, a constitution written by Romas Lileikis and Thomas Chepaitis, an anthem, and an army (numbering approximately 11 men). They celebrate this independence annually on Užupis Day, which falls on April 1st. Perhaps the date is not a coincidence? A place for artists and dreamers.