Purpose: The International Cultural Network (INK) is an organization running in Stavanger whose main goal is to encourage social cohesion and inclusion. INK was founded in 1982 and now has almost 90 ethnic minority organizations in its network. The main purpose of the network is to increase participation in society and culture among migrants and their children and contribute to their integration and inclusion in the city.
The network provides support in:
- putting individuals and organizations in contact with the various organizations in the network
- starting a new organization for migrants and ethnic minorities
- arranging courses and information meetings
- assisting ethnic minority organization with finding spaces to rent for their activities
- assisting with applying for financial funding for the organizations’ activities
Stimulus: The idea hidden behind the IKN’s philosophy is to use cultural diversity as a way to create bridges between people from different countries in Norway. Stavanger, in this perspective, represents the international “capital of Norway,” a city that welcomes different kinds of migrants from all over the world.
Process: The network organises about 700 events a year; some events run annually, whereas other activities are scheduled on a bi-weekly/monthly basis. Some events are:
- The bi-weekly International Cultural Café has been going on for 30 years now, and is extremely popular. Each time the food and culture of a country/nation are presented. During the event several activities are carried out and often the public library plays a fundamental role in promoting international books translated in several languages.
- The language café takes place in the public library, running twice a week and each session lasts two hours. This activity attracts many foreigners and newcomers who wish to learn Norwegian. Teachers are usually volunteers, for example retired teachers willing to teach Norwegian language. In order to take part in the language class, it is not necessary to sign up, all participants have to do is to show up. Nowadays, the café hosts between 100 and 110 people every time.
- During the local and national elections, the IKN distributes information for newcomers on how to register to vote.
Impact: The expected impact is to make Stavanger a city that values diversity.
Key reference documents: https://www.solvberget.no/artikler/nettverk-for-etniske-minoritetsforeninger
