On 15 April 2026, participants from across Southeast Styria gathered in Straden for the second Mitmachräume workshop, co-organised by DorfUni Bad Radkersburg and FarmLab.
Following the initial vision workshop in February, this action workshop marked a key step in the development of the project “Südoststeirische Mitmachräume zum Lernen, Tun und Teilen”, within the framework of the funding measure 77-03 Rural Innovation Systems (Ländliche Innovationspartnerschaft).
Building on the insights from the first meeting, the workshop confirmed a shared understanding of Mitmachräume as more than spaces for activities: they are places of encounter, creativity and future-oriented development, rooted in the region and shaped by its communities.
Participants also highlighted that many of the necessary elements are already present — engaged people, existing initiatives and available spaces — and that the key challenge lies in connecting and developing them collectively.
The core of the workshop was structured around two working phases, focusing on:
defining thematic priorities for the coming three years
identifying a first set of 3–5 “Leitprojekte” to guide the process
Discussions centred around four key themes:
creative environments and attractiveness for returnees
quality of life and intergenerational exchange
future-oriented knowledge and education
resilience, local provision and inclusive participation
The results were consolidated in a plenary session, where initial directions for the project were agreed.
The workshop concluded with a working session on the next phase: preparing the project proposal, defining responsibilities, and coordinating contributions across the region.
The process now moves towards the development of a structured three-year project, building on the momentum and commitment generated through the workshops.
Press coverage:
MeinBezirk – Zwischen Zuhause und Arbeit entsteht ein dritter Ort zur Begegnung
https://www.meinbezirk.at/suedoststeiermark/c-lokales/zwischen-zuhause-und-arbeit-entsteht-ein-dritter-ort-zur-begegnung_a8597530