The NESsT Violet Fund is proud to welcome 100cznia, a community-based cultural and social enterprise in Gdánsk, northern Poland. Located on the grounds of a former shipyard, 100cznia has transformed an abandoned industrial site into a community space where culture, dignified work, and belonging come together. Over the years, it has grown into a hub for concerts, workshops, markets, open-air cinema, and creative events that attract more than 100,000 visitors annually.
100cznia, a city within a city for accessible arts and inclusive employment in Gdánsk Poland.
At the heart of 100cznia is a commitment to accessibility and inclusion. “100cznia was created as an open space for meetings, culture, and collaboration,” shares Alicja Jabłonowska, co-founder of 100cznia. “We believe that urban spaces can simultaneously be profitable for business and create real social value.”
Since its informal beginnings in 2017, she and co-founder Jakub Łukaszewski have ensured the space operates with a strong free-entry policy, helping remove financial barriers to participation in cultural life while creating opportunities for emerging artists, local initiatives, and underrepresented communities.
But 100cznia’s impact extends beyond cultural programming. The enterprise also creates employment opportunities for people who often face barriers in the labour market, including refugees, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Today, the company employs close to 150 people throughout the year across its hospitality, events, and operational activities. It ensures fairly-paid, accessible jobs, where people feel safe and respected – as articulated in its "Zasady 100czni" (100cznia Principles), a set of internal rules that codify expectations around inclusivity, non-discrimination, and fair labor standards.
Alicja has 20 years’ experience in social inclusion and since 2018 has co-led 100cznia with a focus on human rights, ecology, social responsibility, access to culture, and participation in culture.
Joining the NESsT Violet Fund marks a new step in the community hub’s growth. “We want to develop 100cznia as a space integrating culture, entrepreneurship, social action, and urban revitalization, while simultaneously building financial stability and long-term organizational resilience,” Alicja shares.
“We see the NESsT portfolio as an opportunity to streamline our growth processes and increase our social impact without losing the grassroots nature of the project.”
The NESsT Violet Fund will support 100cznia with investment and business assistance focused on workplace inclusion and employee wellbeing, including staff feedback systems and community engagement activities connected to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and youth participation.
As cities across Europe continue to rethink the role of public space, enterprises like 100cznia show how culture-led community infrastructure can also contribute to local economic inclusion, social connection, and more resilient communities.
We look forward to accompanying 100cznia in this next stage of growth and impact!
Interested in learning more about how NESsT supports inclusive businesses in Central and Eastern Europe? Explore opportunities for investment and partnership with the NESsT Violet Fund below.