Darko Vujica

An exploration of the dynamics, way of functioning and perspective of the self-governing Social and Anarchist Center l'Horta in the Valencian neighborhood of Benimaclet The goal of my two-month stay in Valencia between October and December 2021 was to explore the dynamics, way of functioning and perspective of the self-governing Social and Anarchist Center l'Horta in the Valencian neighborhood of Benimaclet. Centre Social Okupat i Anarquista l'Horta was born on the wave of mobilizations and struggles launched in Spain in 2011 by the 15M movement after the financial crisis that hit hard both Spain and Valencia. The aforementioned center was created with the intention of becoming a place of autonomous, inclusive, anti-fascist, feminist and educational space that functions on the principle of self-management. Likewise, the Center is recognized as one of the symbols of social struggles in Valencia, even though it is not only a symbol of struggle, but also an active, combative and emancipatory space that keeps Valencia and the Benimaclet neighborhood alive and rebellious. Through visits to the Center, interviews and conversations with activists present at the Center, neighbors and professors at the University of Valencia, I tried to see and investigate how the Center functions, how it is placed in the dynamics of general activist activity in Valencia and finally, how self-management, as a democratic decision-making process, functions in the center.