About project
Idea Gypsy Spirit
The Gypsy Spirit project focuses on the supporting active efforts of all those who contribute to improving the situation pertaining to Roma in Slovakia. The aims of the project are to create a tradition regarding awarding work for the Roma community, create a public platform for the presentation of positive life-changing contributions, and thereby push the greater public closer to the activities of the organisation and individuals focused on supporting Roma integration into society. The competition enunciators are The Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC), Slovenské elektrárne - a member of the Enel group, the national Centre for Equal Opportunities, the Respect APP agency and the Everyvent agency. The awards ceremony is set to take place on Thursday 16th April at the Slovak radio building.
The Roma issue in Slovakia has long been overstated or underestimated. The Gypsy spirit award is therefore focused on support and awareness of projects and activities which bring about real, measurable results and therefore represent real help for Roma inhabitants. The short-term targets of the project are presentation, promotion and media activities regarding projects by companies and associations focusing on improving the standing and perception of the Roma in Slovakia. The projects originators hope that the Gypsy Spirit project will motivate further subjects into preparing and implementing effective projects focusing on Roma minority issues. The Roma issue is a complex one, therefore partial short-term successes don't necessarily equate to a nationwide improvement in the standing of the Roma, nor do they change negative stereotypes in terms of the majority perception. The long-term goals of the Gypsy Spirit project are the establishment of an awards ceremony with internationally recognised awards, the creation of a more positive picture of the Roma community within society itself as well as improvements in living conditions for the Roma population.
Participation options
Competition entries or nominations can be submitted in written form on the basis of thorough and correct completion of applications or nominations published on www.gypsyspirit.eu. Nominations and entries can be submitted up until 22nd April 2011. The awards ceremony along with a presentation of the finalists, project, musical performances and the handover ceremony itself is set to take place on the 23rd of May 2011 at the Bratislava P.O. Hviezdoslava Theatre (DPOH).