Organizer from Nový Jičín: Zažít město jinak must be done sincerely and with the heart. People will recognize it

Lucie Tovaryšová from Nový Jičín believes that neighborhood festivities are a tool for active citizenship. “It’s easy to curse at what the town hall comes up with and do nothing yourself,” he says. This year, for the first time, the organizing team from Nové Jičín decided to organize a celebration on the street and went through a much more complicated bureaucratic process than during the preparation of previous years. Nevertheless, Lucie insists that the good feeling of a successful celebration made it all worth it.

Why did you decide to go with us this year and what were your expectations? What did you promise yourself that the neighborhood festivities would bring you?

Experience Nový Jičín differently this year is the third year we have organized it. I’m always figuring out how to bring new things to our city and I really liked the concept. And I think it is needed. People are always cursing on social media and society is online a lot. Any event where people can meet and get closer live is beneficial in my opinion.

And that prompted you to start experiencing the city differently…

I knew about Zažít město jinak for a long time, but I didn’t have the space because of family matters. Three years ago, however, I approached my friend, who agreed that we would go into it together. Then I wrote to the Facebook group called Sdruženy, which brings together the smart women of our city, asking if any of them wanted to participate in the organization, and I was really surprised that ten of them contacted me. We still operate with practically the same composition, only two have dropped out due to work and family reasons.

How has it evolved for you during that time?

The first year was in a park, the second in such a neglected place almost in the city center, and this year we decided to close the street for the first time.

So it was a bit more complicated, I suppose.

Dealing with the occupation of public space was quite complicated. Even though this year we kept telling ourselves that we would start preparations earlier, we still struggled a bit with time. The request dragged on at the property and transport department.

Why did you choose Husova Street?

This year, the city is buying a building there, in which a cultural center will be created. The City Library and the Leisure Center are located there, so it will be the cultural center of the city in the future. In addition, the library has a very beautiful garden and we thought it was a shame that more events are not held there. We wanted to show how alive the place could be.

What did you learn in those three years?

I have improved a lot in the machinery of official affairs. Although, as a city representative, I see it from the other side as well. I learned how to apply for grants and financial aid and how to lead a team of people, which I had never done before. But the girls are absolutely great and make it so much easier for me. Working with them energizes a person rather than the other way around. After the event itself, of course, I’m very tired, but then, when the positive reviews go around, I get that energy back.

Do you have the impression that your community life moves more, and manifests itself even during the year?

I don’t quite know that. But I see a shift in the fact that the third year was the most successful of all, and we have a vision to establish an association and, if possible, organize more of these events in the city.

How do you like the year themes? Are they helping you or don’t you care?

The Slow Down theme was great. We implemented it through handicraft workshops, such as traditional embroidery. We had an exhibition and talk about Africa… Last year’s theme Dress up also suited the place where we held the celebration. It is a neglected area in the city center with a communist monument, such a legacy of the time, which is a shame. So we threw it into a gala and decorated the place.

So this year was the best for you? What do you think it was?

Maybe it was interesting for people that the celebration was held on a closed street, that they really experienced it differently. This year, the NATO Days in Mošnov, which we meet every year, were also canceled due to the floods. So maybe that’s why people were more interested. But the program was also rich, more people wanted to get involved and maybe we are just an introduction. Last year there were fewer stands and this year we had a theater, which was also new. Every year we have a meeting after the event and try to learn lessons for the next year.

What was the biggest success this year?

I guess I can’t pick one thing. It all worked beautifully together. The feedback was excellent, both from the performers and the visitors. Even the sound engineer from the Municipal Cultural Center, which participated in the event, evaluated the festival positively. We already worked together last year, but that concert was a little different, much bigger with a big stage and great sound. But he grabbed all the attention and other activities kind of faded into the background. We wanted to change that this year and keep more of the neighborhood and street character.

And what do you think should not be missing at a proper neighborhood celebration?

I think it must not be organized for profit. Even a professional organizer can’t organize it like the people who live there. He might have a good idea, but it’s still just his job. Volunteers who dedicate their free time to it just approach it differently. In my opinion, the specific filling doesn’t matter that much. It might sound like a cliché, but it’s important to go into it with your heart, then it can’t go wrong.

What does your family say about how much time you spend on Zažít město jinak? And the other ladies’ families?

That’s not the only event we do (laughs). Our families are used to it.

As a representative, do you expect something else from the neighborhood festivities other than just a day spent with your neighbors?

Last year, for example, I really wanted to raise the issue of the neglected open space. If I managed to make some progress with it in those 4 years, I would be very happy. The second goal is such an upliftment of civil society. Cursing what the town hall comes up with and doing nothing yourself is easy. But it’s better to get out of your living rooms, look up from your phones, and talk to each other. Or start doing something.

What would you say to people who are considering whether to join the organization of the festival?

It’s a lot of work that will pay off. You will meet a lot of new people and learn a lot of new things. You will do something positive and feel good about it.

Thank you very much for what you do and I wish you many more successes.

We also thank you very much for your support, documents and know-how. It also helps us a lot when presenting the event in the city. Patronage of the AutoMat association and nationwide impact of Zažít město jinak simply has weight.

Photo: Lucie Miková

Do you like what we do at AutoMat? Support us and donate to AutoMat any amount. Thank you!