Urban Workshop 2024 took place across more than 10 locations in Lviv and brought together 1,600 residents (80% of whom participated for the first time) at over 80 events. This year marked a record — eight new public spaces were co-created. Among the innovations were themed tours, audio walks, and urban interventions. The main themes included support for internally displaced people, inclusivity, mobility, energy efficiency, and waste management. Every day, 23 organisations helped turn ideas into real change

In 2022, due to russia’s full-scale invasion, the Urban Workshop did not take place. However, the following year, the 11th Urban Workshop united more than 30 partners — civic organisations, city departments, municipal institutions, and businesses. The focus was on integrating new residents, green solutions, and cooperation with communities that had recently joined the Lviv urban territorial community. More than 100 events — including guided tours, workshops, dialogues, and hands-on work on public space improvements — all contributed to building a city where everyone has a place and a voice

The tenth Urban Workshop was held under the slogan “We build connections because we live here.” Nine civic organisations and municipal departments took part in organising the event, which featured 24 activities at 9 different locations across the city. For the first time, a city-wide quest was introduced — complete with maps, stickers, and challenges. Winners received e-scooters and partner gift certificates. This way, the Urban Workshop combined play, participation, and urban exploration

In 2020, the Urban Workshop adopted a hybrid format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking place offline in the Park of the 700th Anniversary of Lviv and online in partnership with Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, and Poltava. The main stage was outdoors, where podcasts, workshops, and quests were held. The online programme featured five thematic blocks: Green, Healthy, Cultural, Inclusive, and Smart City. It was a year of rethinking — formats, habits, public spaces, and ways of interacting

For the first time, the Urban Workshop moved entirely beyond the city centre and spread across six districts — from Riasne to Sykhiv. Each location had its own programme, curators, and local team. More than 30 sites hosted lectures, workshops, cleanups, film screenings, murals, children’s activities, and sustainability-focused events. The topics included urbanism, inclusion, culture, ecology, heritage, and innovation. Around 35 organisations — both local and national — took part in the initiative

The seventh Urban Workshop began in the inner courtyard of Lviv’s City Hall. Over the course of 10 days, it hosted more than 80 events organised by 26 different groups and nearly 10 partner organisations. For the first time, the programme was structured into three thematic blocks: cultural heritage, mobility, and integrated planning. The focus was on how to preserve the old, create comfort, and envision the city’s future together with its residents

The Urban Workshop format solidified into a combination of a central pavilion and events held across five neighbourhoods — from Zboiska to Sykhiv. Local engagement became the central emphasis. Over the course of 12 days, more than 100,000 participants attended over 150 events, including workshops, lectures, and discussions. Topics ranged from urban ecology and inclusion to culture and civic involvement in shaping the city. Forty-seven initiatives received support, and five of the resulting partnerships continued beyond the event

Urban Workshop became a space for intercity knowledge exchange and support for local initiatives. This time, it took place near the Gunpowder Tower and was joined by over 30 partner organisations. The programme included workshops on courtyard renewal, greening, street furniture making, community celebrations, film screenings, a participatory conference, and training on self-governance. The main focus was on joint action and strengthening communities through practice

This year, Urban Workshop went beyond Lviv — 32 organisations from across Ukraine took part in the events, from Slavutych to Odesa, from Bucha to Kharkiv. The programme combined practical workshops, discussions on the revitalisation of neglected neighbourhoods, and events on local development. At its core were intercity dialogue and the co-creation of change

This time, Urban Workshop moved to the square in front of Ivan Franko University and significantly expanded its thematic scope. More than 20 organisations joined the initiatives. The programme became even more diverse: workshops, cycling quests, artistic performances, inclusive activities, and conversations on urban infrastructure. The key themes were social inclusion, mobility, ecology, and cultural heritage. The programme also featured a free bike rental and a retro bicycle exhibition.

In 2013, Urban Workshop settled on the eastern side of Rynok Square. This time, the main focus was on encouraging residents’ participation in the development of public spaces and rethinking the value of historic architecture. Fifteen organisations and municipal institutions held nearly 80 events, which attracted over 2,200 people. Together, we discussed the future of the city centre, the residential function of historical districts, and the role of communities in urban transformation.

Everything began that year. Urban Workshop emerged as part of a GIZ project focused on the development and revitalisation of Lviv’s historic core. The programme centred around open-air restoration workshops — residents could observe balconies, windows, and portals from various historical periods being restored right on the street. More than 10 local initiatives joined the event. Creative sessions for children, evening film screenings, and informal meetups set the tone for an atmosphere of openness and co-creation