Russian illegal prison on IZOLYATSIA premises has been operational for 10 years.

CASCADE

CASCADE

1 July 2024 — 31 July 2026

The CASCADE project, led by EastHub within Trans Europe Halles (TEH), is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering cultural and civil society organizations across Georgia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. Through capacity-building programs, resource-sharing, and peer-to-peer learning, CASCADE strives to foster democratic engagement and strengthen local communities in regions where democratic processes face significant challenges.

Objectives

CASCADE seeks to make cultural centers not only places of artistic expression and work with communities but active participants in the democratic life of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus, inspiring local communities to shape their futures.

Core activities

  • Supporting cultural organizations as trusted community hubs for democratic dialogue.
  • Enhancing local advocacy for community needs through professional capacity-building.
  • Creating resilient cultural spaces that act as catalysts for democratic values and civic engagement.

Methodologies and approach

  1. Needs Assessment: Identifies local challenges and resources to tailor capacity-building programs.
  2. Change Enablers Program: Strengthens professional skills in project management, digital tools, and human resources.
  3. Leadership Program: Builds participant skills in public speaking, community engagement, and policymaking.
  4. Peer Learning: Facilitates cross-country exchanges to reinforce democratic principles and collective actions.
  5. Pilot Projects: Participants design community-focused, democracy-enhancing projects for practical experience.

Consortium

Project funded by the Swedish Institute is implemented by Trans Europe Halles (SE), Malý Berlín (SK), IZOLYATSIA Foundation (UA), Salaam Cinema (AZ) and Culture and Management Lab (GE).

CASCADE project is funded by the Swedish Institute and implemented by the East Hub of Trans Europe Halles (SE); a subnetwork of TEH that is coordinated by project partner Izolyatsia (UA) and TEH Member Malý Berlín (SK), Izolyatsia Foundation (UA), CASCADE Project Partners also include Salaam Cinema (AZ) and Culture and Management Lab (GE).