The European project allows all partners to explore and better understand the challenges of third places, which often remain a somewhat vague concept. By combining our experiences, we aim to objectify their components: governance, economic models, social and environmental impact... This approach is designed to help us structure truly inclusive and sustainable spaces. The inclusion of artists with disabilities and those distant from cultural spaces is also a key focus. This project enables us to identify obstacles, think about suitable frameworks, and raise awareness within our cultural networks. By confronting different practices across Europe, we are enriching the emergence of more innovative and accessible solutions. Finally, this transnational cooperation strengthens the connections between engaged organizations, encouraging exchanges and collective experimentation. By fostering a shared vision and working on concrete tools, we aim to provide a more concrete and operational definition of a third place, serving all stakeholders involved in this form and spirit of structuring.
Originally, the Collectif T’Cap and its partners are carrying out a project to create a cultural, inclusive, and supportive third place on the island of Nantes. This space aims to bring together actors from diverse backgrounds – artists, associations, residents, and professionals from the cultural and social sectors – to foster encounters, exchanges, and the emergence of new artistic practices accessible to all. Beyond its creation, an in-depth reflection is being carried out on what constitutes a third place. How is it structured? What hybrid activities can it host? What economic models support it? How can we ensure public diversity and genuine citizen involvement? To deepen this reflection, we have chosen to broaden our perspective internationally. Exploring other models allows us to identify innovative approaches, draw inspiration from best practices, and consider sustainable cooperation with foreign partners. This openness enriches the collective and collaborative vision of the project, in line with current social and artistic challenges. Engaging in a European project seemed to be the most suitable framework for our research and development.