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A Taste Of Freedom
Free Dom squatted community centre in Poland
"FREE DOM" in Wroclaw, Poland, is an autonomous cultural
centre, set up in the heart of the Polish community. "Free
Dom" ("dom" means "house" in Polish) began
life in the middle of the 1990s, when a group of friends squatted
a small house (called "REJON 69") near the centre of Wroclaw.
During the next three and a half years the group formed a small
community and organised a range of cultural and political events,
like punk concerts, festivals, and regular 'food not bombs' events.
In 1999, they were forced out by bailiffs, police and the local
authority.
The next building they squatted only lasted two weeks, but important
ties were being created and an 'eviction party' elicited considerable
support from the local (Jewish) community and brought the squatting
issue into the media spotlight for the first time. After a big campaign,
demonstrations, leafleting and expressions of support from residents,
the local authority handed the building over to the squatters in
September 2000.
Despite its dilapidated condition the house was opened, after a
year of repairs, in the spring of 2001. In place of the ruins were
an alternative library, an info cafe, a dark room, silk screen printing
and spaces for art gallery exhibitions, cinema and concert rooms.
Acts like Citizen Fish, Catharsis, Sin Dios, Tragedy, and many
local bands have played there. Every Sunday there is 'Food not Bombs'
event which gives squatters a chance to skillshare, provide food
and eat together with local homeless people and socialise.
This also creates scope to engage with local people who have been
made aware of a resistance to the new demands of capitalism on a
country that had no motorways before 1996 and some of Europe's last
great forests. Now, however, there is a new 126km road between Wroclaw
and Nogawczyce - part of the Trans European Network and built by
a consortium of British firms headed by WS Atkins.
'Free Dom' plan to start a local newspaper to give out independent
information, promote alternatives to capitalism and provide more
opportunities for community involvement.
They have started activities with the city kids, who have made
the building their own. Together with their parents they hold parties
and feasts, games and painting for children.
Also part of the plan is to begin an after school programme where
kids can get help with homework and spend their time creatively
with juggling, theatre, and photography workshops.
One resident explained the purpose of the centre: "The idea
and function of the cultural centre is to be a place where people
can come, without money, and realise non profit projects/ ideas,
or just have a place to meet. This house is the only legal place
like this in the city." Co-operation with other squatter groups
is essential for the survival of all. With the World Bank eyeing
up the silverware and describing Poland as 'one of the most advanced
transition countries in the region' (ie: it's flogging everything),
it is time for the local groups to radicalise and work together
to ensure their mutual futures.
In November they hosted a congress for Polish autonomous groups
and are trying to build a support network across Poland, particularly
for those affected by Polish law which does not recognise squatters'
rights. Police are often aggressive and bribes are accepted currency
to delay eviction. 'Free Dom' is a legal centre and doesn't have
the same problems as other groups attempting to reclaim old buildings
as community spaces. However, because they are 'legal they have
to fulfil bureaucratic rules as laid down by fire, police, building
and government inspectors.
Many of these rules are absurd and unachievable because the activists
don't have enough money to pay the bribes (and don't want to). This
curtails the organisation of events and work with children. It could
also lead to the eventual closure of the building.
Support is needed, especially from abroad. Said a resident: "When
the local government see that some international groups and individuals
supports us, it will help us in negotiations." You can send
letters of support to: Free Dom, ul.Jagiellonczyka 10d, 50-240 Wroclaw,
Poland.
E-mail: freedom69@go2.pl
A direct letter expressing support to the City Government (Wroclaw)
Fax: +48 71 344 78 29 would also help.
For more information go to: www.ainfos.ca
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