The city of Rijeka is proud of its rich cultural and historical heritage, which shapes its unique identity. As an open and multicultural center, Rijeka is a space where bourgeois, working-class, and alternative scenes intertwine, providing a dynamic cultural environment. Alternative culture, essential to the city’s identity and known as the "Cradle of Rock," is often overlooked in institutional efforts. While Rijeka’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2020 enabled significant renovations and the growth of institutional art, the alternative scene has remained in the shadows. After 2020, the city has yet to offer a new plan for developing this alternative cultural scene, jeopardizing the preservation of this heritage and future cultural initiatives.
The Torpedo Factory, located in a prominent area, symbolizes the potential offered by Rijeka’s industrial heritage. The area, once bustling with activity, now awaits revitalization and new programs to bring it back to life. For the alternative scene, which seeks spaces for creation and expression, the Torpedo Factory offers an ideal environment. With its existing structures and development potential, the factory is a key location for cultural initiatives that could contribute to the enrichment of the local community and the strengthening of the city’s cultural landscape.
The revitalization project for the Torpedo Factory includes a comprehensive approach to the area, aiming to create a cultural and creative center that could become a new hub for socializing and cultural activities. Expansive public spaces would address the community’s need for green, accessible areas by the water, fostering engagement and connection among citizens. With such initiatives, Rijeka could once again become a vibrant center of creativity, strengthening its place on the global cultural stage and helping preserve its rich cultural heritage.
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