Paper Short Abstract:

Historically viewed as marginal by the Nation-states the borderland is a unique inhabited territory. Through multidisciplinary narrations, creative processes and critical writings the project Mugalur aims to identify networks and foster real cross-border practices, especially in the proximity of border territories in the Basque Country.

Paper Abstract:

Through different activities gathering local residents and elected officials alike, the project Mugalur aims to develop regular spaces for exchange and mutual knowledge and, in the long term, to establish a "forum", a laboratory of ideas to promote new dynamics of cooperation between both sides of the border. The historical seven Basque provinces divided by the border, appear now gathered in a European project. During 2023-24, seven workshops were organized on both sides of the border, inviting local residents to draw a sensitive cartography and to share their views and experiences on the multiple sides of the border in their everyday life. Funded by the NAEN Euroregion and coordinated by the Development Council of the Basque Country, a unique association created in July 1994, representing all the driving forces of the northern Basque Country, the project involves academics and local development agencies.

Mugalur entangles research and creation through the implementation of participatory methodologies. Through multidisciplinary narrations and critical writings it aims to get to know each other better and identify real cross-border practices, especially in the proximity of border territories. Historically viewed as marginal by the Nation-states, the borderland is a unique inhabited territory where experiences, economic and family exchanges and feelings of belonging have been built. Reflecting on the sharing and creating together processes that occurred during the workshop will eventually reveal the potential of informal networks and ties between dwellers across the border, leading in the long run to think of and enact (or not) a shared territory.