Söderscen Report - 2023 by Creative Insights Studio

2023 REPORT

Written by:

Abbas Sbeity Creative Insights Studio Söderscen Report 2023

for:

Helsingborgs Stad Stadsbyggnadsförvaltningen Abbas Sbeity | Creative Insights Studio

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Project by:

Implemented & Managed by:

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CONTENT

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ABOUT LOOKING BACK EVALUATION & REFLECTION MOVING FORWARD 2024 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Söderscen Report 2023

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

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ABOUT Söderscen is a placemaking project aimed at transforming the Söder neighborhood in Helsingborg into a more inviting and safer community. The project leverages the residents’ local knowledge and input to create better public spaces. Söderscen brings together residents, local businesses, city departments, and other stakeholders to achieve its goal at two public spaces in Söder: Furutorpsplatsen The goal is to turn Furutorpsplatsen into a vibrant living room that attracts more people to use it. Gustav Adolfs torg: Söderrummet Söderrummet is a pop-up container and meeting place on Gustav Adolfs Torg in Söder. It is for everyone in Söder and can be booked by those who want to reach out with their (non-commercial) business to organize activities, events, and pop-up meeting points. The overarching goal is to uplift the neighborhood for its people, to give children good conditions, have the best student life, a meeting place for friends, and a safe place to grow old. We want to achieve this goal by: • Developing and activating public spaces following a placemaking approach. • Engaging residents, businesses and local associations to co-create and participate in various activities. • Developing a broad and rich program with seasonal activities • Coaching residents who have ideas for the park and helping them implement their ideas. • Promoting social integration through diverse activities that bring people of different ages, cultures, and genders together. • Changing the image of Söder and creating an added value for the whole city of Helsingborg.

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Söderscen is a project by the city of Helsingborg, and is implemented by Creative Insights Studio AB under procurement 114-2022. Creative Insights Studio a multidisciplinary consultancy studio that offers design and management solutions for organizations and businesses. With a foundation in design principles, we support partners to respond to complex problems. We research, design, strategize, facilitate, manage, and evaluate projects that inspire meaningful change. www.creativeinsights.studio Abbas Sbeity Project Manager Abbas Sbeity is a researcher, strategist, and facilitator, based in Helsingborg. He has 10 years of cross-cultural experience working across public and non-profit sectors in Sweden and the MENA Region. In Helsingborg, he has been running his consultancy studio since 2020 where he provides services for the public sector, international non-profit organizations, and private sector. www.abbassbeity.com Oskari Pärssinen Project Assistant Oskari Pärssinen is a Finnish-Swedish junior Urban Planner with a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Stockholm University. He has experience working with various municipalities in Sweden such as the Stockholm County Administration as part of the housing unit and Malmö Stad. Helsingborgs Stad - Project Team Moa Sundberg Urban Designer, Stadsbyggnadsförvaltningen Cecilia Fredriksson Samhällsplanerare, Stadsbyggnadsförvaltningen Christina Wideland Gestaltning och projektering, Stadsbyggnadsförvaltningen Matilda Dahl Program Producer, Dunkers Kulturhus

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CONTEXT Söder is the southern district of Helsingborg that emerged in the middle of the 19th century to house the working class by establishing businesses and shops that cater to their needs, such as bakers and clothing shops (Aslan, 2017). The landscape progressively changed with department stores in the 1930s, and in the 1980s, established manufacturers around the area closed or moved outside Sweden, where they could operate with lower production costs. Residents started moving to other areas where newly built housing was available, and immigrants started to move into the area (Aslan, 2017). Söder has been on the Swedish Police list of vulnerable areas since 2017 and maintained its status as a risk area until 2023 (Nationella operativa avdelningen, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023). Being on the list has put much focus on security in the municipal work in Söder - as part of the city-wide security efforts described in the Action Plan for Security in the Urban Environment 2018-2023 (Helsingborgs Stad, 2017).

in Helsingborg. The agreement mentions five security challenges: organized crime activity, drug sales, insecure public spaces, public acts of violence, and social disorder (Helsingborgs Stad & Polisen, 2018). In 2021, the Swedish Police specifically received increased resources to patrol Söder (Älskade Söder, 2022). In the same year, Helsingborg joined a joint pilot project with five other municipalities in collaboration with the police. The project focuses on financial crimes and fraud mainly. The project broadly cooperates with other governmental agencies and administrations, such as the tax and social insurance agencies (Polismyndigheten, 2021). While the Swedish Police have their mandate and ways of combating crime, close collaboration with the municipality was established. The Swedish Police are part of different forms of direct engagement or dialogue with other initiatives.

The goal of the Swedish Police interventions is to reduce the number of vulnerable areas and prevent new ones from being created; therefore, the Police Authority works closely with municipalities to create agreements and a shared understanding of the situation in the vulnerable areas (Grander et al., 2020). The Swedish Police Authority and Helsingborg Stad published a collaboration agreement in 2018 covering the work strategy between 2018-2020 (Helsingborgs Stad & Polisen, 2018). The agreement focuses on the city’s strategic issues of security and crime trends by sharing knowledge, resources, and skills. The collaboration agreement aims to create structures and tools to select priorities and activities. Together, both parties have created a local analysis of the security situation Söderscen Report 2023

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In addition to the Swedish Police Authority, the City Planning Administration (Stadsbyggnadsförvaltning, SBF) is a leading actor in security work in the city. SBF works include planning interventions in unsafe areas, contributing to the continuous situational analysis of security in the areas, conducting constant dialogue with local actors, and initiating and managing area-based projects (Helsingborgs Stad, 2017). Thus SBF has a leading role in making urban environments more secure; they do that through dialogue, design, and placemaking. According to SBF, the work on security is connected to Helsingborgs’ Vision 2035, as security increases trust between people, which triggers more creativity and innovation (the creative city), and the increase of social control contributes to a higher sense of togetherness (the common city).

SBF’s work process in target areas follows: first, SBF looks at the statistical data available in the area, such as employment, education, and income level. Second, dialogue is conducted with residents, the police, and other local actors, such as governmental agencies. Third, an evaluation of the area is conducted according to 7 factors (the level of maintenance of the area, how populated are the places and streets, the ability to see the surrounding, the security measures already in place, the sense of community and togetherness between people, and the identity and reputation of the area). Last, a yearly plan is drafted to prioritize the areas where interventions will take place, and dialogue activities could be conducted at this stage again to make the selection (Helsingborgs Stad, 2017). The interventions planned could happen at two levels: physical measures in the urban environment, such as adding lighting or installing security cameras, and on another level, they are area-based projects where different methods are tested, such as placemaking. According to SBF, placemaking is a valuable method in area-based interventions, where projects focus on the identity and appearances of places, the social places, and how places are used in terms of activities and demographics (Helsingborgs Stad, 2017). To sum up, the logic of SBF is that an attractive urban environment leads to a higher presence of people in areas, consequently leading to an increased sense of security. One leading area-based project targeting Söder is Älskade Söder (meaning Beloved Söder), with the long-term goal of creating a safe, attractive, and welcoming urban environment in Söder. Älskade Söder works, among other things, on the certification process Purple Flag. The Purple Flag is a quality

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called Söderpunkten mall) was renovated to include more shops, restaurants and a cinema. On top of the mall, a 20-story building has been recently completed. The mall is considered an attractive spot and brings visitors from other parts of the city to the area. Another important node in the district is the city Library, located at the start of Södergatan. Gustav Adolfs Torg is the focal point in the area where a street market, a church, gyms, restaurants, and large grocery stores can be found. certification that assesses how cities main- To achieve success in the area, Älskade tain safe urban environments during the eve- Söder targets public spaces and considers nings and nights (Älskade Söder, 2022). In equality and integration as essential issues Helsingborg, three areas have received cer- that would contribute to the security and tification: Maria Torg (2017, 2019, and 2021), trust in the district. Different projects and Helsingborg C (2018 and 2020), and Söder in practices have been implemented in Söder, among them Söderscen at Furutorpsplatsen 2020 and 2022. and Söderrummet at Gustav Adolfs Torg. Söder, as described earlier, was a workers’ housing area in the 19th century because of its proximity to the port and the central station. This already created a foundation for segregation between the district and the northern part of Helsingborg. This has been strengthened by becoming dense with immigrants - thus confirming that social segregation became intertwined with ethnic segregation. Söder has changed as the city grew and industries changed locations; the area expanded to include more housing, commercial places, and offices. Söder is clearly distinguished in Helsingborg as a multicultural place due to the shops and restaurants that can be found there. The inclusion of Söder within the list of vulnerable areas has strengthened the perception of Söder as an References: unsafe place. Handlingsplan för trygghet i stadsmiljön HelsingThe introduction of student housing in the area had the ambition to lift the area, especially after the Helsingborgs Campus (Lund University) was inaugurated in the H+ area adjacent to Söder. Development and renovations have also been taking place in Söder. A new hotel was built, the Radisson Blu 12 Metropol hotel, and SöDER mall (previously Söderscen Report 2023

borgs stad 2018 – 2023 Action plan for safety in the urban environment, City of Helsingborg 2018 – 2023, Stadsbyggnadsnämnden 2017 Redaktörer: Devrim Umut Aslan, Cecilia Fredriksson Omslagsillustration © Cecilia FredrikssonFoto © Devrim Umut Aslan, Lunds universitet 2017 Grander, M., Roelofs, K., & Salonen, T. (2021). Area-based development initiatives: A means to an end or an end in itself? – a literature overview on the case of Sweden. Nordic Social Work Research. Abbas Sbeity | Creative Insights Studio

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APPROACH CREATIVE & CULTURAL PLACEMAKING It is an adaptable approach to urban engagement and community development that harnesses the power of art, culture and creativity to bring people together, facilitate dialogue and create better shared spaces. We adopt a broad definition of creativity and culture that goes beyond traditional art practices - we refer to placemaking methods that are centered around community work, food, music, organizing, family activities and dialogue. Creativity & Culture becomes both a tool and a result through various events and activities all year round. GOALS

Activate public spaces through events to attract residents from all over Helsingborg.

Create a positive image of Söder through the events and communication material.

TACTICS 1) Create participatory structures and frameworks that allow people and organizations to engage in the project. 2) Engage local residents through pop-up and continuous dialogue at Söderrummet, at events, and on social media. 3) Engage key stakeholders in Söder through regular meetings and meaningful collaborations. 4) Partner with local associations in brainstorming, planning and execution of program activities. 5) Coordinate with various city departments in developing activities and sharing resources. 6) Engage local businesses in Söder such as cafes and restaurants through dialogue and invitation to participate in events. 7) Invite and collaborate with local artists and creatives to participate in events that require specific expertise and knowledge. 8) Coach and support residents and associations in brainstorming and planning their own interventions and activities. 9) Develop communication materials that promote the events and Söder in a positive way.

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TYPES OF ACTIVITIES Dance in the park

Music & Performances

Discover Söder

Services

Arts & Creativity

Socialize & Celebrate

Pop-up Dialogue

Markets & Festivals

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STAKEHOLDERS STAKEHOLDER MAP

Local Businesses

er d ö S p up r sg

HBG City

Ak tiv i

te t

Stadsförvaltningar

Housing Companies

SBF

@SÖDER Södervärdar

Inva-sam

SÖDERSCEN

Artists & Creatives

Associations

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The different levels of engagement of the stakeholders are reflected in the types of relationships that exist in the stakeholder map. The relationships are portrayed in this engagement ladder. Other relationships might exist between the stakeholders that are not portrayed in this map. Co-creation Develop & implement ideas, share ownership for the outcomes. Collaboration Work together, sharing responsibilities and decision-making to achieve common goals. Coordination Ensure efficient use of resources and avoid conflicts. Consultation Seek input and feedback to understand perspectives and concerns Communication Communicate updates & keeping stakeholders informed

MAP LEGEND Relationships central stakeholders primary stakeholders secondary stakeholders connectors

co-creation collaboration coordination consultation communication

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TARGET GROUPS The project primarily focuses on the residents as its main group. Analyzing various sub-groups according to demographics help us better design interventions that appeal to everyone in Söder and Helsingborg. We have evaluated the groups using 3 key parameters: 1. Reach: to assess our ability to reach each group through our communication channels and partners. 2. Interest: to measure the level of interest each group has shown in our activities to date. 3. Participation: to evaluates the extent of active involvement from the groups, both as co-creators and attendees. FAMILIES & CHILDREN

Families and children who live in Söder and Helsingborg are highly engaged and are interested in most of our activities as they are child-friendly and attractive.

Reach Limited

High

Interest Indifferent

Enthusiastic

Participation

STUDENTS

ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS

SENIORS

TEENS

Students who live and study in Helsingborg at Lund University. A progress of reach has happened in 2023 which could lead to more engagement in 2024. International students (Masters) are more engaged.

Reach

Adults & young adults showed interest and were present in music events and markets. They attend events and participate as artists or exhibitors. Some are organizers through their associations.

Reach

Seniors are mostly engaged in the pop-up dialogue at Söderrummet. They are also interested in specific events such as tours. We mostly reach this group through our partners.

Reach

Teens remain the least reached group despite different experimentations. The aim is to reach them through specific partners that already work with this target group.

Passive

Active

Limited

High

Interest Indifferent

Enthusiastic

Participation

Interest

Passive

Active

Limited

High

Indifferent

Enthusiastic

Participation Passive

Active

Limited

High

Interest Indifferent

Enthusiastic

Participation Passive

Active

Limited

High

Reach

Interest Indifferent

Enthusiastic

Participation Passive

Active

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COMMUNICATION The communication efforts focus on these main goals: • Increase awareness about Söderscen as a project • Promote events and activities • Document events • Outreach to new partners and organizers • Promote a positive image of Söder Our communication channels: • Söderscen Website • Blog posts on the website • Helsingborgs Stad Events Calendar • Digital Screen in Furutorpsplatsen • Street-boards at Furutorpsplatsen • Söderrummet Window Display • Facebook & Instagram • Distribution of posters at different spaces in Söder • Skedda for Söderrummet bookings • A new YouTube channel has been created

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LOOKING BACK 2023

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2023 OVERVIEW Reflecting on 2023, we revisit the various activities that occurred throughout the year. Initially, we provide an overview of the total number of activities and their distribution across different locations, times, and types. This data aids in enhancing our comprehension of the experimentations undertaken during the year.

258 Total Activities Day-time vs. Nigh-time

165

93 Night-time

Day-time

Weekday vs. Weekend

Season Jan-Mar

Apr-Maj

Jun-Aug

140

Sep-Dec

Finance

36%

weekend

20% 44% 222

weekday

self-financed by organizers co-financed by Söderscen and partners financed by Söderscen

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Locations Söder Området 6 activities

Gustav Adolfs Torg 6 activities Söderrummet 139 activities

Furutorpsplatsen 81 activities @Söder 26 activities

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ACTIVITIES Here is an inventory with all activities clustered by locations. Each activity is mapped with its details and results according to the legend on the right.

Type

Details

Dance

Weekend activity

Discover Söder

Weekday activity

Arts & Creativity

Co-financed activity

Pop-up Dialogue

Self-financed activity

Music & Performances

Financed by Söderscen

Services

Day-time activity

Socialize & Celebrate

Night-time activity

Markets & Festivals

Location #

Number of Occurrences

Results Group-based activities with a turnover <10 people Group-based activities with large turnover >10 people Large activities with a turnover <100 people Large activities with large turnover >100 people

@Söder Intro til mobil fotografering

Jan-Mar

Swing Dance Classes

Jan-Mar

Målarkurs I

Jan-Mar

Målarkurs II

Apr-Maj

Community Middag

Sep-Dec

Öppet hus @Söder

Sep-Dec

AW Kulturkväll

Sep-Dec

Julfest på Söder

Sep-Dec

Strålkastarberättelser

Sep-Dec

Söder Street Art Tour

Jun-Aug

Cultural Walk

Sep-Dec

Söder Området

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Furutorpsplatsen Alla hjärtans dag Tävling

Jan-Mar

Påsk Firande

Apr-Maj

Eid Firande

Apr-Maj

Familjedag

Apr-Maj

Upcycling och Snickeri

Apr-Maj

Picknick-poesi

Apr-Maj

Zumba

Apr-Maj

Tango

Apr-Maj

Rulla med i cykelparaden

Jun-Aug

Sommar Concerts

Jun-Aug

Söder Art Fest

Jun-Aug

Aktivitetsbanken

Jun-Aug

Biblioteksbuss

Jun-Aug

Sommar Zumba

Jun-Aug

Sommar Dabke

Jun-Aug

Sommar Tango

Jun-Aug

Swing Dance

Jun-Aug

Familjesöndag

Jun-Aug

Utomhus bio

Jun-Aug

Clown Me In - Söderdagen

Apr-Maj

Krax Krax

Sep-Dec

Julmarknad på Söder

Sep-Dec

Strålkastarberättelser

Sep-Dec

Gustav Adolfs Torg

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Söderrummet

Tillväxt Helsingborg

Jan-Mar

Södervärdar på Besök

Jan-Mar

Fastighets AB Balder

Jan-Mar

Frälsningsarmén

Apr-Maj

Fika omed Söderscen

Apr-Maj

Södervärdar på Besök

Apr-Maj

Familjelördag

Apr-Maj

Träffpunkter i Helsingborg

Apr-Maj

Aktivitetsbanken

Jun-Aug

Plantera Söderrummet

Jun-Aug

Grannarnas Rit-o-Snack

Jun-Aug

Familjetisdag

Jun-Aug

Afterwork DJ

Jun-Aug

Fika med Söderscen

Jun-Aug

Sommar Origami

Jun-Aug

Pärlpussel och Popcorn

Jun-Aug

Södervärdar på Besök

Jun-Aug

Träffpunkter i Helsingborg

Sep-Dec

Suicidpreventionsdagen

Sep-Dec

Skräpplockardag

Sep-Dec

Fika med Söderscen

Sep-Dec

Pizza & Dialogue for Students

Sep-Dec

Halloween

Sep-Dec

Julmys på Söderrummet

Sep-Dec

Södervärdar på Besök

Sep-Dec

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SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHTS 2022

2023

New Facebook Likes

1067 followers

New Instagram Followers

511

Total amount of paid Ads

2,950 kr.

8,390 kr

Facebook 593 likes • 723 followers

Facebook Audience Disaggregation

Instagram

Instagram Audience Disaggregation

Facebook reach and visits over the months of 2023 Söderscen Report 2023

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In 2023, our social media reach has increased specially on our Instagram page.

Peak of engagement across platforms is in the summer months when most activities took place.

Instagram reach and visits over the months of 2023

Paid reach and impressions over the months of 2023 Söderscen Report 2023

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MEDIA SNAPSHOTS

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DOCUMENTATION Blog posts on website

In 2023, we started documented the projects and initiatives through the website blog. The blog posts included short description of projects and interviews with organizers.

Videos on YouTube

During the Christmas season, we produced three videos. The goal is to document and create materials that promote Söder and Söderscen.

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BUDGET Below is the budget breakdown that helps us understand how the budget is distributed on the activities and the different categories. The numbers below are approximate.

Total Budget

Permits

14,000

Food & Fika

20,000

Services & Communication

41,000

Materials & Equipments

60,000

SEK

400,000

Organizers Fees

265,000

Below is the distribution of the organizers fees by different seasons in comparison with the number of activities. Organizers fees

Nb. of activities

9,000 sek.

Jan-Mar

36,000 sek.

Apr-Maj

218,000 sek.

Jun-Aug

140

2,000 sek.

Sep-Dec

51 33

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HIGHLIGHTS Söderscen Summer Program 128 activities organized 15 partners & organizers involved 3,250+ estimated participants 7 mentions in local media articles

A collaboration with 15 partners to organize a 12-weeks summer program at both locations. The program consisted of variety of activities covering different interests and target groups. The program was divided into 5 different categories: • • • • • •

Dance in the Park: A summer dance series with a different dance style each day led by professional dancers and choreographers. Children and Family: Creative and fun activities for children. Read and learn something new: The city library bus made two stops at the park and various creative workshops took place at Söderrummet. Create and paint: origami workshops and construction play at Furutorpsplatsen with Fritid Helsingborg. Music and Coffee: A series of six summer concerts on Furutorpsplatsen, AW activities with a live DJ at Söderrummet, and informative coffee and dialogue with the Söderscen team. Söder Street Art Tour: A series of 5 guided tours around Söder about street art and culture in the area.

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HIGHLIGHTS Summer Concerts 6 concerts organized 16 artists involved 350+ estimated audience 6 mentions in local media articles

The collaboration with Söderscen felt natural because our visions go hand in hand and I believe that Söderscen has great potential to become a platform that brings artists and the community together regardless of their background. We all work for inclusion and cultural exchange, and the main purpose of this concert series is to bridge gaps between people and, more specifically, between artists and their audiences. By creating an environment where local and emerging artists can connect with each other and inspire other people, I strive to build a strong sense of community and shared creativity. Paul Khadra, Curator

For six Fridays in the summer, Söderscen organized a summer concert series at Furutorpsplatsen. Behind the concert series is the musician and sound designer Paul Khadra from Helsingborg. He has invited several artists from Helsingborg and the rest of Skåne to step up on stage to offer the residents of Helsingborg wonderful musical experiences in a range of different genres. The summer concert series was dedicated to providing a platform for a variety of local talent. The aim is to create opportunities for artists living in Skåne to perform and showcase their unique talents to a wider audience. Söderscen Report 2023

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HIGHLIGHTS Söder Art Fest 30 local artists and associations involved 300+ visitors 2 articles in local media Söder Art Fest is a three-day cultural festival with workshops, music, dance and a food and art market. The festival took place at Furutorpsplatsen and was a collaboration between Söderscen and This is Helsingborg with the aim of offering the opportunity for local cultural actors and artists to reach out to several and activate public spaces on Söder.

The idea started during the pandemic when many artists lacked the opportunity to show their works and This is Helsingborg offered a platform to promote different artists. When the pandemic was over, I talked to Abbas from Söderscen, about why not do something similar in a physical environment? I have always been a big fan of Söderscen and we are both passionate about culture and working to activate public places so that people from different backgrounds can meet in the city. By merging these, the idea was born to create a cultural festival to enable local artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their works and offer new cultural experiences for all residents. Parul Ghosh, Organizer, This is Helsingborg

The goal was to highlight local artists and creators in Helsingborg through an art market. To attract people to the market, we developed in collaboration with local artists and associations a three-day program targeting children, adults and other artists. The program included: • Art Market: 17 artists showcased their products and artwork, including 10 local emerging artists who had the opportunity to exhibit their art for the first time. • Food market: 7 local food chefs and 3 food trucks • Music: An opening concert and a live DJ • Theatre: 1 theater performance for children and 1 poetic open mic session • Workshops for children: 5 dance and art workshops for children • Workshops for adults: 4 dance and art workshops for adults Söderscen Report 2023

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HIGHLIGHTS Pop-up Dialogue at Söderrummet 165+ bookings made 25+ organizers involved 600+ hours spent at Söderrummet 1000+ coffee cups offered

At Söderrummet, it was important to co-create a meeting place that attracts residents and associations to the square. The project started with a public collaborative construction workshop, where the residents built the pergola together with professional experts from Växtvärket. In the summer, local residents and children helped to plant flowers and plants around the Söderrummet. Various activities that attract children and families have taken place throughout the year and especially during the summer. After the summer, the children got to see their drawings exhibited at Söderrummet. Various collaborations with city departments have taken place during the year, including Södervärd, Fritid Helsingborg, Bygglovsenheten, Tillväxt Helsingborg, Socialförvaltningen, and Vård och omsorgsförvaltningen. Söderscen Report 2023

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HIGHLIGHTS Collaboration with @Söder During the cold and dark time of year, it is a challenge to hold activities outdoors. But in a collaboration between Söderscen and Helsingborgshem, events are now arranged indoors as well. Helsingborgshem’s new meeting place @Söder is adjacent to Furutorpsplatsen. Söderscen and Helsingborgshem have organized a Christmas party, cultural nights, dance workshops, and painting courses during the winter. @Söder is a meeting place where the common thread is collaboration, co-creation and service. Several organizations that work for a more pleasant and safer Söder collaborate in the space. The meeting place is run in collaboration between Helsingborgshem, Omtanke Helsingborg and Inva-Sam. @Söder enables new meeting places in the form of, for example, association activities and study circles, preferably at the initiative of residents in the area. Söderscen and Helsingborgshem share the same goals to create more life and movement and transform Furutorpsplatsen into Söder’s living room and increase safety in the area. Thanks to the collaboration with Helsingborgshem, Söderscen can continue to activate the area around the park even when it is dark and cold outside. In case of bad weather, it has also been possible to move operations indoors.

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HIGHLIGHTS Spotlight Stories Workshops In December, Lisa Kristiansson and Caitlin Hartman, students from the Embedded Design Program at HDK-Valand in Gothenburg, embarked on a one-week residency at Söderscen. They advocate for co-creation as a strategy for generating new ideas and effecting societal change. Through their research project, Spotlight Stories, they collaborated with the municipalities of Gothenburg and Kungsbacka to explore how design can facilitate authentic public dialogue. The project investigates the concept of belonging, prompting discussions on whether it is associated with a specific place, an emotion, or a dream.

Following the workshops, the designers derived two key insights: 1. Belonging is described in various ways by different people, yet there is a significant overlap in these descriptions. Despite linguistic and cultural differences, the essence of belonging often transcends specific places, focusing instead on the relationships and memories created with others.

2. Facilitating opportunities for people to connect and create memories is crucial, as is maintaining the spaces where these interactions occur. However, having inviting and inclusive places is equally important. It’s While in Helsingborg, they conducted not merely the physical setting or the two workshops where participants were circumstances that enable these encouraged to express their thoughts encounters; rather, it’s the moments, on belonging through painting or writing emotions, memories, and experiences on fabric. This collective narrative aimed shared that foster lasting, meaningful to capture diverse perspectives on change. belonging.

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EVALUATION & REFLECTION

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EVALUATION & REFLECTION EVALUATION METHODS Our placemaking project embraces a “learning by doing” approach, viewing each action as both a learning opportunity and an experiment to test or validate ideas. This iterative process is crucial as the project continues to evolve and develop with each passing year. In anticipation, we aim to establish a comprehensive evaluation strategy in the coming years. Over the past two years, we have employed several methods to continuously assess the project’s activities: 1. Distributing feedback forms to all organizers to gather their insights. 2. Conducting internal evaluation meetings with the management team. 3. Holding evaluation meetings with the SBF team. 4. Organizing reflection workshops and meetings with partners and organizers. 5. Performing qualitative assessments to assess the project’s reach. 6. Compiling internal monthly reports and a conclusive public annual report.

INSIGHTS The provision of daily activities at Söderrummet effectively communicated a clear schedule to people, fostering familiarity.

The early publication of the full summer program in June positively impacted planning and participant engagement.

The daily occurrences, particularly at Söderrummet, successfully established a consistent routine for attendees.

The introduction of the concerts at the park served as an innovative way to showcase local talent and successfully attracted a diverse audience, including families and adults.

The introduction of stationery and games at Söderrummet enhanced its appeal, encouraging people to gather and engage during events and activities.

The practices of patience, consistent attendance, and providing coffee were key factors in supporting the welcoming atmosphere at Söderrummet.

A pattern of activities was well established, with each season offering distinct types of events that adapted to weather conditions and attendee interests, enhancing the Söderrummet experience year-round.

The implementation of coffee vouchers in partnership with a neighboring restaurant facilitated easy access to refreshments for event organizers at Söderrummet, enhancing the overall experience for participants.

Collaborations with local restaurants for DJ events and after-work gatherings introduced new experiences for attendees, enriching the community’s social scene at the square.

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RESULTS

92%

of organizers report that they are highly satisfied with the collaboration with Söderscen

83%

of organizers report that they are highly satisfied with the outcome of their activities

75%

of organizers appreciate mostly the communication and flexibility of Söderscen’s team

50%

of organizers report that they would need more support in marketing and promotion

66%

of students feel safer in the residential area of the park according to Helsingborgshem’s surveys

QUOTES

“It’s nice to see the crowd putting a smile on their face, some kids come regularly knowing that they feel safe and comfortable returning to the workshop is satisfying.”

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Abbas Sbeity | Creative Insights Studio

EVALUATION & REFLECTION LEARNINGS Below, we synthesize the best practices derived from the project, offering valuable insights into placemaking and community development. We explore and summarize the learnings across four sections. Collectively, these insights are beneficial for the sustainability and continuation of the project, as well as serving as valuable guidance for other similar projects.

Co-sharing Spaces

Exploring the concept of co-sharing spaces as community places reveals essential practices that enhance the efficiency of these systems: Access: It’s crucial to ensure that organizers can access the spaces efficiently through the right permits, a booking system, and keys. Implementing a key collection system, potentially supported by technological solutions such as smart keys, is recommended for streamlined access. Security: Security measures are vital for creating an environment where individuals feel safe to participate and engage, as well as for protecting the physical space and its assets. These measures, including protections against fire hazards, personal threats, or theft, should be well-documented and communicated clearly to both organizers and participants. Utilizing advanced technology, like radio systems, can aid in establishing a comprehensive security routine. Cleanliness: A clean and welcoming environment is key to encouraging people to return and use the space again. This involves developing a clear cleaning routine and assigning co-sharing responsibilities. Whether the space is open (like a park) or enclosed (such as Söderrummet), it’s important for all parties to understand their cleaning obligations to ensure the space remains conducive to its intended communal benefits. Organization and Storage System: With various organizers utilizing the same space, each with their unique needs and tools, creating a shared organizational system is essential for efficiency. This system should allow individuals to safely store their materials and easily access them as needed, while also maintaining the space’s assets.

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Safe, inclusive, and welcoming places and interactions

Ensuring safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments and interactions within public spaces, especially when engaging diverse target groups, poses several challenges. Key among these is maintaining psychological safety and creating an atmosphere of inclusivity. For instance, when organizing events or workshops in public spaces that involve children, it is crucial to implement measures that guarantee their safety amidst a predominantly adult audience. Similarly, special attention must be given to ensuring that performers, particularly women, feel secure. These considerations are fundamental to fostering environments where everyone feels welcomed and protected, thereby enhancing the overall experience for all participants.

Network-based collaborations

Despite having great ideas, reaching the appropriate audience often presents a challenge, even with extensive communication efforts. It is crucial to engage in collaboration with organizations and leverage existing networks that cater to specific groups, including young people, women, families, and seniors. This approach can significantly improve the effectiveness of reaching and engaging the intended audience.

Capacity-Building

Engagement with the community and various groups has offered insightful revelations regarding the needs and potential opportunities for fostering social sustainability within the neighborhood. Initiatives such as collaborating with local chefs and groups have proven to be more effective than partnering with commercial food trucks, highlighting the importance of leveraging community assets. Similarly, supporting emerging artists and creatives offers them significant opportunities to present their work, in contrast to the benefits available to already established artists. Local associations play a crucial role within the neighborhood, possessing extensive networks and initiating projects that are both tested and valuable to their specific audiences. However, these associations often face challenges related to accessing resources and fully understanding the opportunities available for achieving independence and sustainability. Consequently, there is a clear need for increased focus on capacity-building efforts. Such initiatives are essential for augmenting the project’s sustainability and reinforcing the social fabric of the community.

Söderscen Report 2023

Abbas Sbeity | Creative Insights Studio

EVALUATION & REFLECTION RECOMMENDATIONS

How might we enhance features, accessibility, and safety in the public spaces to become more suitable for diverse placemaking activities? •

• •

•

Increase the number and capacity of waste bins throughout the park and square to improve cleanliness and waste management efficiency. Implement coverage for the stage at the park to protect equipment and performers from weather-related issues. Enhance safety for performers and visitors by redesigning the stage area to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by children, and to ensure a safe separation from surrounding spaces. Relocate the basketball playground or implement measures to mitigate its interference with stage events, ensuring both the safety of equipment and the well-being of performers during events. Address the toilet accessibility issue by ensuring the toilet at the park bus stop is reliably operational, accepts multiple forms of payment, and is not locked, to accommodate park visitors’ needs. Facilitate access to drinking water through water fountains within the park or in the vicinity of Söderrummet to enhance visitor comfort and hydration. Ensure the stage is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors.

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MOVING FORWARD 2024

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MOVING FORWARD INITIATIVES FOR 2024 Building upon the strategy outlined in the report and incorporating the insights gained in 2023, we have developed a series of clustered initiatives that will guide the execution of our program for 2024. These initiatives will be implemented throughout the year, ensuring a continuous and structured approach. We are committed to maintaining a co-creative process and fostering a participatory structure that encourages involvement from all stakeholders.

Call for Ideas

Festivals

Students Network

Launching an open for ideas for individuals and associations to apply to organize activities during the spring and summer program.

To celebrate important holidays we host 1-day festivals for each in the spring and autumn - such as Easter, Halloween, Eid, and Christmas. We also particiate in Söderdagen.

We have stronger students’ network this year and we will organize activities with them in the spring. We will organize a language workshops with local partners.

Community Lab

Summer Program

Creative Lab

In collaboration with 3 partners, a capacity -building program for local associations to initiate and mange their own placemaking activities.

After the success of the 2023 summer program, we will organize a similar program this year with daily activities at Söderrummet and at Furutorpsplatsen.

A capacity-building program for local artists and creatives who took part in the previous markets, to develop their capacities and participate in the future markets.

Summer Concerts

Cultural Nights

Söder Art Fest

We continue with the summer concerts this year to showcase local artists and activate the park with live music.

A series of events to promote cultural diversity in the local community through an after-work evening in collaboration with local associations.

Söder Art Fest will be back for a 1-day event and we will test it at Gustav Adolfs Torg this year. The program will include a market and art workshops.

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YEAR PLAN JAN - MAR

• • • • • • • •

Kick-off year Reporting 2023 Planning 2024 Indoor activities at @Söder Weekly activities at Söderrummet Students workshops Community Lab Launch Call for Ideas

APR - MAJ

•

• • • • •

Weekend festivals at the park (Easter and Eid Firande) Weekly activities at Söderrummet Students workshops Community Lab Creative Lab Cultural Nights

JUN - AUG

• • • • •

Kick-off Summer program Summer Concerts Outdoor Cinema Söderdagen Söder Art Fest

SEP - DEC

• • •

Halloween Christmas events Weekly events at Söderrummet

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Söderscen team Abbas Sbeity Oskari Pärnissian Helsingborgs Stad Moa Sundberg Cecilia Fredriksson Christina Wideland Matilda Dahl Partners Helsingborgshem / @Söder Studiefrämjandet Riksteatern Helsingborg Dunkers Kulturhus Inva-sam Public Sector Collaborators Miljöförvaltningen Fritid Helsingborg Träffpunkter i Helsingborg Socialförvaltningen Helsingborgs stadsbibliotek Tillväxt Helsingborg Södervärdar Helsingborgs familjecentralen söder HBG City Organizers & Collaborators Fyra Färger Libanesiska Förening i skåne Kulturhotellet This is Helsingborg Palestinska Kvinnoförening ProQvi - Project Pocket Nordic Wellness Libanesiska Familjeförening i skåne Kurdisk Internationell Kvinnoförening Afghansk Kulturförening Fastighets Balder Frälsningsarmén Helsingborg Teo’s Kök o Bar

Artists Clown me In Krax Krax Lisa Kristiansson Caitlin Hartman Yahya Ashmawi Paul Khadra Hazni Demir Ahmad Sweiss Jennifer Bergqvist DJ Stenben Loopi JBeats Spira Steph Qica DJ Jespha Galore LHD World Chocoloco Vickelli DJ Karolina DJ Joakim Cosmo Ippah DJ MK Volunteers Ahmad el Omda Charbel Khadra Parul Ghosh