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In this paper, we examine do-it-yourself (DIY) urbanism through place-based and technology initiatives that support collective networked action to foster civic engagement in neighborhood contexts. The goal is to engage informal and ad-hoc networks of individual and collective actors in productively addressing critical conditions within their urban localities. Based on participatory research and co-design with residents and urban activist groups, Delai Sam and Partizaning, in districts of Moscow, Russia, we devised a series of interventions using a network of mailboxes, prototype online collaboration platforms (SynchroniCITY and MicroAct) and community-based workshops to engage participants in revealing issues, designing solutions and coordinating urban actions. Through these experiences, we consider the challenges of DIY urbanism as an inclusive, sustained and meaningful form of cooperative engagement and urban activism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses media arts in Jerusalem and Belfast. It cites an event wherein children took snapshots of the cities in Jerusalem for several storytelling workshops. It adds that these programs were enforced as part of the program "Youth Visions of Jerusalem" in July 2009. It mentions that the physical divisions of mobility into the cities affect education, healthcare services, and employment opportunities for the Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem. It explores the importance of artistic programs and urban efforts in reconnecting Jerusalem especially the youth.