Actors of Urban Change

Actors of Urban Change is a community-driven international network that promotes sustainable urban development across Europe. The organization fosters collaboration between stakeholders from non-profit, public, and private sectors to create positive change in cities through cultural activities and participatory approaches. The program operates by selecting teams of three members, each representing different sectors (cultural, public, and private), who work together on local urban development projects for 18 months. These teams receive financial support of up to €13,000, which includes implementation grants, expert support, and mobility funding for exchanges with other cities in the network. Central to the program are five international Academy Meetings where participants gather to exchange knowledge on project management, citizen participation, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. These four-day summits take place in different European cities and include workshops, field visits, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities. Supported by MitOst e.V. and the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Actors of Urban Change tackles various urban challenges including social inclusion, climate resilience, and revitalization of public spaces. The initiative emphasizes co-creation as a driving force for change, helping participants develop innovative solutions while building a diverse network of committed changemakers across Europe. The organization believes that complex urban challenges can be addressed more effectively when committed actors with different backgrounds, competencies, and resources work together toward common goals, making cities more sustainable, inclusive, and just.