On Saturday 25 April 2026, the promenade of the “Sljeme” complex in Sesvete was turned into what urban areas most often lack – an open, accessible space of knowledge. Through the STEAM Festival Sesvete, the local community briefly became a living laboratory in which technology, education and creativity came together in a single experience.

We see this event as clear proof that an interest in science and technology is there – but also that it needs space, context and the chance to interact. That is exactly what happened in Sesvete, organised by Zelene i plave Sesvete and FabLab Zagreb.

Visitors of all generations had the chance to take part in a range of interactive activities, from hands-on workshops to demonstrations of technologies that increasingly shape the way we learn, work and create. But the key value lay not only in the content, but in the way it unfolded: openly, accessibly and without barriers.

In such a setting, knowledge stops being abstract. It becomes tangible, understandable and – most importantly – applicable.

Why do we do things like this?

Our long-term focus stays the same: strengthening the local STEM ecosystem and creating opportunities for cooperation between citizens, schools and organisations. The STEAM festival in Sesvete is part of a wider initiative through which we want to activate the space of the former Sljeme factory and turn it into a modern community centre. Sljeme za sve.

Together with the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb we are developing a concept for a space that will not just be a place but a platform – a space where people learn by doing, develop ideas and connect with one another.

What does that mean for the community in practice?

• children and young people gain access to practical knowledge that goes beyond the classroom
• citizens get the chance to explore technology without any prior experience
• a local space takes on a new function – one that encourages development rather than stagnation

In other words: we are creating conditions in which the community does not merely follow change, but actively takes part in shaping it.

Whether you were with us at the event or missed it this time, we invite you to fill in the questionnaire and help us shape the next steps: https://arhiv.fablab.hr/upitnik

A big thank you to everyone who took part in, supported and visited the STEAM Festival Sesvete. Events like this exist solely because of the people who come, take part and give their energy back to the community.

Special thanks go to Zabavni radio for covering the festival and conveying its atmosphere.