[image:108,left,10,10,0]MICS investigates issues around networking, peer to peer organisation and distributed systems. The in Lausanne based MICS Center brings together about 30 faculty members and 70 PhD students to study most aspects of self-organizing, distributed communication and information services, including mobile communication and peer-to-peer information services.

ReLOAd, which rises out of the experience of the construction of media centers and public access internet spaces all over Italy, as well as continuous experimentation with technology and new tools for electronic communication, is a real and welcoming place. Here anyone can get free access to the internet, access a media library for exchanging information, use resources to produce independent news via web-radio or street television, take courses in computing with freely shareable software rather Microsoft's, and meet competent people to connect with, and enjoy experimenting with new technologies.

'Video activism' is on the rise, often associated with small, spontaneous actions in environmental and social justice campaigns. But picking up a video camera for the first time can be daunting. This series of workshops by the Undercurrents Foundation seeks to teach people regardless of age, gender and background how to use video as an effective tool.

Infoespai ('Infospace') is a 'node of communication and encouragment' in Barcelona's Gracia district. Created to collect and spread critical information on social, political and economic transformation, Infoespai takes the form of a small shopfront and office-style workspace facing onto the lively public square Plaça del Sol. It provides free internet access, both by CAT-5 and WiFi, an infopoint which gathers alternative publications, a photocopier, meeting centre, computer resources and workspace for activists and those working within the social movements.

In 2000 mi2 opened its public space, net.culture center mama, which has quickly become a meeting spot for young people in Zagreb, with cheap internet access, a lounge space with DJs constantly performing, presentation and screening space, and a media library.

Big fun emerges when history meets soccer and anti-racist football supporters play their own game

Six years ago a small but very unusual world cup was started by an ambitious initiative of four people from two organisations: The first antiracist soccer world cup took place in Montefiorino, a small city north of Bologna (Italy), where in 1944 the first freed partisan republic existed in the midst of an Italy that was occupied by nazi troups.

The roots of SPC.ORG, established in 1996 'to support independently organised spaces, open access to network media and creative experimentation with technology' are in BACKSPACE). This resource centre, activist meeting place, and general hang-out was a small but powerful seed of energy and focus in new media exploration, networking and open access within London.

During the last summer in a lot of places in Brandenburg people became angry because of the the bad image of Brandenburg discussions were focusing on: First of all, scientist warned, that parts of the county seems to be in a state of desolation and devastation of big parts of the land (because of the brain drain or the reduction of rain).

Kinetik - Do it yourself theatre and games is a d.i.y. project with rom and semi nomadic children living in urban environments. It is d.i.y because it is realised with recuperated materials on or close to site, and is based on the stories and interests of the children for play and to make short improvised performances. The first part is on site in three different locations, Dublin, Rome and Amsterdam; the second part is on the net.