About Us
An introduction to our organisation
Open Cultural Center (OCC) is a registered non-profit organisation active in both Spain and Greece, working towards the inclusion of refugees and migrants through educational and cultural activities.
We work mainly with volunteers to offer language classes, technical workshops, sports activities, cultural events, and women and children’s support to the various communities we work with. At the same time, we work internationally to create awareness about the situation of refugees while working with many European partners to increase our social impact.
Our story
A short overview of our foundation
Open Cultural Center began in 2016 as a grassroots response to the refugee crisis in Greece, built on solidarity between refugees and volunteers.
Starting at the Idomeni camp, OCC quickly became a hub for education and cultural exchange. After registering as an NGO, the organisation moved to Polykastro to focus on inclusion beyond emergency aid. In 2017, we expanded to Barcelona, launching a cultural centre and later our tech academy, MigraCode. Since 2021, we’ve led international projects and scaled regionally in Catalonia.
In 2024, Open Cultural Center merged with the wonderful project Refugees Welcome Spain, and incorporated the different services and communities of Refugees Welcome into the work of OCC.
Our mission, purpose & values
The framework of our organisation
Our mission
We aim to build bridges between communities, promoting the social and labour inclusion of migrants and refugees. We do this through training, socio-educational activities, support networks, and a culture of diversity and innovation, working together to transform society.
Our vision
Open Cultural Center aspires to be a reference organisation in the development of pioneering and innovative solutions for the social and labour inclusion of migrants and refugees in origin, transit, and reception.
Open Cultural Center aims to promote the right to mobility of vulnerable migrant people from the moment they decide or are forced to migrate to the moment they can find employment in Europe, intervening in:
- Promotion of legal and safe pathways through the development of employment pathways from the country of origin or first country of asylum.
- Development of non-formal education, orientation, and psychosocial support in regions of first reception; and
- Development of socio-labour pathways in the technological and rural sectors.
Our purpose
OCC wants to strongly contribute to an inclusive society without barriers to the legal, social, and economic participation of migrants as equal and valued members of society.
Our values
- Inclusion & Diversity
- Community Building
- Volunteerism
- Youth Empowerment
- Innovation.
Quality Management System (QMS)
Certified with ISO
Open Cultural Center Spain is certified under the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard. Our Quality Policy defines our commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and the effective delivery of our activities in line with our organizational mission and vision. You can discover our full policy document here.
Our main target groups
Who we aim to support and empower
Refugees
People who flee their countries due to conflict or persecution and have the right to international protection.
Asylum Seekers
Individuals seeking safety in another country whose refugee status has not yet been legally recognised.
Migrants
People living outside their country of origin who are not classified as refugees or asylum seekers but may still face serious risks if returned.
Our main pillars
The core goals our work is built on
Social & Economic Inclusion
Migrants have improved ability, access and opportunity to participate and thrive in their new communities
Youth
Young people – especially young migrants – are engaged and empowered to positively influence their environment and their own future
Community
More cohesive and inclusive local communities value diversity and provide mutual support
Social Transformation
Greater awareness, understanding, and dialogue around migration contributes to positive attitudes and social change
Social Innovation
Knowledge, innovation and evidence generation enhance the efficacy and reach of inclusion initiatives
Beyond Borders
Cooperation with OCC Greece and transnational partnerships extend the reach and impact of OCC programming
