Campaign to Save Ungdomshuset

international | anti-capitalism | news report

Saturday November 26, 2005 22:37

by Irish Friends of Ungdomshuset

Irish support for Ungdomshuset, an autonomous social centre in Copenhagen.

CAMPAIGN TO SAVE UNGDOMSHUSET

Ungdomshuset is a self-governed activist run house, situated in Copenhagen Denmark. It was given to the squatter movement in 1982 – one of the only demands that the movement achieved; a free space to house all the people that didn’t fit into public institutions and commercial venues.
Since then, for now 23 years, the house has been the base of a thousand different activities such as DIY concerts, grass root benefits, soup kitchens, debates/meetings, an info shop, rehearsal rooms and much more…
Ungdomshuset is the only house of its kind in Denmark and the loss of Ungdomshuset would be fatal for the Danish, and especially Copenhagen radical left wing scene and DIY music network. More than 500 different people use the house on a weekly basis and thousands of people use the house for concerts and other arrangements every year.

In 2001 the house was sold to a right wing fundamental Christian sect, “The house of the father”, and early next year they are expecting to go to court for the second time to decide who has the right to use the house. If things don’t go their way, an eviction attempt can be expected within 3 or 4 months.
“We hope to have your support and see you on the barricades next to us if the shit goes down!”

Inspired by the energy and creativity of Ungdomshuset, we, ‘Irish Friends of Ungdomshuset’, feel that the states attempted eviction of it is an attack upon all people who struggle to find autonomous solutions to this culture and society of conformity and intolerance.

Cities all over the world are faced with the problem of a lack of space to create their own culture. Dublin is no exception! People continue to struggle against the increasing control and commercialisation of the city. Through the creation and reclaiming of public space we attempt to explore and develop both social and cultural alternatives.

This is currently happening in the city in many ways, including community gardens, squatting, social centres and arts groups.

If you’re interested in Ungdomshuset’s campaign and want to participate in any way, feel free to contact them or visit www.ungomshuset.dk for the latest updates!

[email protected]
Ungdomshuset, Jagtvej 69, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

Seomra Spraoi
New autonomous social space for meeting, creating and plotting. Opposite “Arnotts” on Middle Abbey St. www.seomraspraoi.blogspot.com Tel: 086 200 1039

Community Gardens
Dolphins Barn community garden is located on the far bank of the canal near Dolphins Barn. Phibsboro community garden is on the far side of the canal opposite Shandon Gardens. [email protected] for the exact locations