Siberian Grassroots meet in "The Kitchen" (Dutch Version)
First centre for debate in freezing city
Extremely cold tundras and inaccessible swamps. A large region where the Gulag ruled the life of the exiles. Those are the scenes that Siberia invokes. Yes, nods Tatiana Tkachenko from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, she is familiar with this image of her region. In her eyes the surroundings show a lot of grey and coldness even today. The people lead very isolated lives, says the inhabitant of the largest city in this Russian district. There are not many possibilities to meet, to discuss their ideas.
Culture, debate and public opinion, these are not things Siberia is known for. Economy is the main priority of Russian politics, social integration is very low on its list. Executive Director Tkachenko wants to change this through her Open Siberia Agency. This September, the centre for debate "kuhnya" hopes to open its doors in a jazz café and in a library.
"It will be the first independent institute where people can share opinions on a weekly basis", she says proudly.
To prepare themselves, she and two colleagues will attempt to gather information and knowledge in the Netherlands. Holland is the country with the most expertise in the field of debate, says Tkachenko in the Amsterdam Hermitage museum café.
For a year now, the people of the foundation Open Siberia have been chewing over this plan to get Novosibirsk Siberians out of their houses.
Right now, people are indeed debating, but mainly indoors, says Tkachenko. Studies published by the foundation show that there is a 'hunger' for a lively conversation in the public domain. When asked where they filter their opinions, 60% of people answered: in the kitchen. "We asked them where - besides the workplace - they spend their time, meet new people, acquire new ideas. It is typical that such a majority replied 'in the kitchen', that is a old tradition in Siberia." So, the foundation did not have to ponder much over a name for the centre, it will be called "Kuhnya", Russian for "Kitchen".
International human rights and democracy will not be the main focus of Kuhnya. Are they scared of the Russian regime, which is becoming more and more strict? No, fellow initiator Andrey Konstantinov says firmly. In his opinion it is still unclear in this stage, which effect new laws like the one for stricter regulation of NGOs will have. "The law has been toned down and is currently before Parliament. It is a bad sign for a government to give, but then again, NGOs in Russia are widely used for money laundering. There needs to be more control." Whatever the result of this law will prove to be, in Novosibirsk people are not worried. A subject such as the functioning of president Putin could very well be a topic on the agenda. That would be different in Moscow or Saint Petersburg, where civilian initiative is strictly monitored. "Sometimes we feel like they have forgotten us here. The Siberian stance is: do as you like, they can't send us away any farther than where we already live." In spite of the liberty enjoyed by Siberians, international political questions will not take centre stage in the debates. According to research of the foundation, Siberians from Novosibirsk prefer to invest in a stronger local civil society for local topics, issues from their daily surroundings.
Konstantinov calls his city - with its 1.5 million inhabitants - the 'Silicon Forest' of Russia; high-tech industry and software development have replaced former heavy and gray metal industry.
Even the first Russian 'Techno Park' will be situated within the city limits of Novosibirsk. This is why the city draws as many creatives as it does, even from outside. These Russians are demanding about the conditions of their residence, and want access to more inspiring activities.
A first step was the 'parade of ideas'. "Kuhnya" aims to mobilise this local network, so its wishes can be communicated with local authorities through debate.
Konstantinov: "Inhabitants can pitch their ideas for urban development, there are contests for the most beautiful plans on social integration. New museums, new media, we are becoming a city that closely follows the latest developments." According to Konstantinov the relation with the local government is a healthy one, and politicians need to prepare for some vocal lobbyists.
Open Siberia receives funds from the Netherlands
The Dutch government supports the foundation Open Siberia so that the grassroots organisations in Novosibirsk will advance further democracy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes available a total sum of 500,000.- euro to realise the project. Furthermore, The Winter Academy - the foundation's second initiative - will be realised. This makeshift university aims to provide education in the field of bottom-up-initiatives, by initiating network organisations. Dutch professionals, amongst whom there is a campaign strategist, are also invited. "Not all of them have confirmed their visit yet, it will be minus 40 degrees. Maybe the date will be moved forward a bit, so temperatures will be a bit more comfortable", initiator Andrey Konstantinov laughs. The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University and Felix Meritis will support the centre with knowledge and practical experience.