Centro 73

Centro 73 (pronounced [ˈt͡ʃentro ˌʃaptezet͡ʃʲ ʃi ˈtrej]) was a social and cultural center in Chişinău and the first squat created in Moldova, which opened 25 September 2010[1] and closed in December 2010. It was located at 73, Alexei Mateevici street.

The name is built from an in-joke which references to the fact that the owner of the building is Italian[2] (centro meaning center in Italian) and from the number of the building in the street.

Functioning

The center worked with the principles which goes usually with squatting, such as autonomy, autogestion, non-commercial, DIY. It was also involved in inter-cultural exchanges, as it is frequented by Moldavians, but also foreigners, mostly from the international volunteering community of Chişinău. Most used languages in the squat were Romanian and English.

On 20 November 2010, Centro 73 did a solidarity action for freedom of political prisoners in Belarus.[3]

After eviction, Centro 73 was sealed off and ready for demolition.

Activities

The aims of Centro 73 were to provide alternative social and cultural activities, such as:

  • a permanent photo exhibition
  • a free shop
  • a free price bar
  • café philosophique
  • theater workshops
  • jam sessions
  • different informative, creative or artistic workshops
  • cooking and eating afternoons
  • parties

Viability

The owner of the building intends to destroy it to build a business center, which is not allowed as it is a protected building.[2] On 1 November 2010, a protest was organised by Centro 73 against demolition of buildings of historical center of Chişinău.[4] In December 2010, a fence was built around the building et works started, which ended the squatting adventure.

References
  1. Jurnal TV (27 September 2010). "Squat, acum și la Chișinău!" (in Romanian). Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  2. Timpul (21 October 2010). "Mateevici 73 în prag de demolare?" (in Romanian). Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  3. Indymedia Belarus, minsksolidarity (21 November 2010). Солидарность в Кишинёве (in Russian). Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
  4. Jurnal TV (1 November 2010). "Salvaţi Chişinăul istoric!" (in Romanian). Retrieved 27 November 2010.
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