'Toopen' is an exciting new concept, born from a fusion of the Greek word 'topos' (place) and the Ghent dialect word 'tuupetegoare' (all together). With toopen, Ghent2030 introduces an innovative way of cultural programming.
Toopen are vibrant, open workshops where artists, organisations, experts, and citizens join forces. Together, they seek creative solutions to the current challenges facing Ghent, the region, and Europe. How? By learning from each other and working together in a truly Ghent way: tuupetegoare.
In the toopen, people collaborate according to three learning principles:
- Sharing ownership: Everyone is involved, and we share responsibility. We build trust, safety, and openness so that all participants can share their ideas and perspectives. To achieve this, we work according to the values of Ghent2030.
- Surprising connections: We bring together people and organisations that have not previously collaborated. We encourage local, regional, and international connections, both online and offline.
- Radical Learning: Each toop starts with a specific learning question, a dream, linked to the artistic themes. We experiment, reflect, and learn by doing. Failing is allowed. What we have learned is documented and shared with others in Ghent and across Europe.
This is how we work towards a concrete contribution to the Ghent2030 programme: a major exhibition, a neighbourhood festival, poetry in the city, online events, and more. Anyone can formulate learning questions related to the artistic lines of wasteland, water, or margin: the Ghent2030 team, but also a citizen or an organization. Together with Gentenars and non-Gentenars, artistic creators and organizations, representatives from various sectors—in short, with everyone—we are shaping the cultural programme of Ghent2030.
Starting at the end of 2024, the first toopen will launch. This will happen both through curated events and following 'open calls'.