The Europe Challenge

The Local Challenge

In post-pandemic society, adults are increasingly struggling to find new communities and establish relationships, leading to loneliness and disconnection. This has significant health impacts, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to PLOS Medicine. In Zilina, many people work in the IT sector, fostering a rising interest in creative techniques as a counterbalance to digital life. Although crafting and making things can bring people together, current trends in single-use costumes for events are contributing to landfill waste and water pollution from microplastics. 

The Initiative  

Become Your Favourite Character is creating a costume library where people can borrow outfits for various events, supported by a bi-monthly Costume Club. This initiative benefits children, low-income earners and women who can share and learn new skills including 3D printing. It bridges generational gaps, fostering connections between young people and the elderly, and offers a safe space for people experiencing loneliness – helping to weave new community connections. Ethnic minorities can also share their traditional costumes, helping to promote cultural exchange. For a small fee, local people can borrow costumes, which helps to encourage sustainability and reduce waste. 

After The Europe Challenge

The Žilina library has carried out workshops where have created a mini library-con with attendees dressing as their favourite characters and interacting with local authors during book talks, and in turn making the library into a vibrant creative hub. Through the process of being in the programme they have learnt how to advocate for the library with policy makers and how to co-work with volunteers. They have become well-known in the community for being a service that is “lending“ something else than just books, and they plan to continue. 

Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.