Intercultural Cities Programme

Purpose: Krakow adopted the “Open Krakow” programme in 2016, which aims to ensure a high quality of life for all the inhabitants of Krakow; to strengthen the solidarity and sense of community of the City; to improve residents’ active participation in decision-making and in addressing current community issues and challenges; and to promote the development of Krakow.

Stimulus/Rationale: The rationale of the programme was to celebrate Krakow’s intercultural past and present and make the most of its national and ethnic minorities and foreigners to improve its development in the future.

Process:The Open Krakow programme serves as an intercultural strategy and action plan. It is coordinated by the Section for Multiculturalism, Social Projects and Equality Policy at the Department of Social Policy and Health in the Krakow City Office. Funds for the Open Krakow programme are allocated in the Municipality budget and approved annually by the Council of the City of Krakow. In 2022, expenditure on the programme was PLN 1,352,080 (around € 315 000) on activities, subsidies and small grants. The programme was implemented jointly with partners including 80 NGOs.

The city systematically engages in co-design involving people with diverse backgrounds in policy formulation. One example is the Equal Treatment Council whose objective is to cooperate with the Krakow City Office, municipal organisational departments, cultural and education institutions, higher-education institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other institutions and services operating in the Municipality of Krakow to further equal treatment and fight discrimination at the local level.

The intercultural strategy and action plan are often updated. For example, the Department of Social Policy and Health and the Jewish Chulent Association prepared recommendations to update the city’s policy on the integration of non-national residents and representatives of national and ethnic minorities in Krakow. This was done through consultations with residents, representatives of minorities, migrants, NGOs and expatriates, etc.

Impact: The programme strengthens solidarity and a sense of community by promoting cooperation among Krakow's diverse populations, including national and ethnic minorities, foreign residents, and long-term inhabitants. This contributes to a sense of belonging and shared identity across different groups, enhancing mutual understanding.

By engaging people from different backgrounds in the policy-making process, the programme encourages active participation in decisions that affect residents' lives. This inclusive multi-level governance approach ensures that the needs and perspectives of various communities are heard and considered, enhancing and strengthening the democratic process.

Key reference documents:

The programme has a dedicated website, Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube account.