Enter Koprivnica, and the City of Koprivnica recently participated in the "The City as an Organism" workshop, organized as part of the "Creative Cities of Croatia" project. This engaging event brought together eighteen participants from various institutions, organizations, and sectors, fostering a rich and diverse discussion on urban identity, art, and community development.

The introductory part of the workshop involved a presentation of the project itself and its goals. Following this, participants were divided into three groups, each tasked with exploring a crucial question: "When you think of your city, what do you feel first?", "Does art play a role, and if so, what role, in shaping the city's identity?", and "How can we create a city that encourages creativity and community?".

A key takeaway from the discussions was the resounding call for stronger connections within the city's creative ecosystem. Participants emphasized the vital need for artists, institutions, and the wider community to collaborate more robustly on joint initiatives. Specific suggestions emerged, including the opening of new spaces for cultural events, greater involvement of the Tourist Board in consolidating cultural initiatives, and the launch of a vibrant summer festival showcasing diverse forms of artistic expression.

An interesting observation highlighted during the workshop was that visitors from outside Koprivnica often perceive the city's identity more distinctly than its own residents. This insight underscores the necessity for increased local visibility and enhanced institutional support for artistic and cultural endeavors. Furthermore, participants advocated for bringing art closer to citizens through accessible educational and participatory programs, and for forging stronger links between artists and public cultural institutions.

The workshop also served as a valuable platform to present the results of the CCSI4CCSI project, aligning them with the workshop's outcomes. Attendees were particularly interested in seeing how the conclusions from the SWOT analysis and the focus group held within the CCSI4CCSI project resonated with the insights generated during "The City as an Organism" discussions.

Participants expressed their eagerness for continued cooperation, recognizing the profound impact of such participatory work. They highlighted that this collaborative approach is instrumental in developing a shared identity, strengthening creative potential, and ultimately fostering an open city that welcomes cooperation and community spirit.