CAJ Molodoï
CAJ Molodoï is a self-managed cultural space in the station district, opened in 1994 at 19 rue du Ban-de-la-Roche. Run by an association and volunteers, it hosts events of every style all year round and is home to many associations. An alternative venue with a project that is artistic, social and political all at once.
An autonomous youth centre
CAJ stands for Centre Autonome Jeunes (autonomous youth centre), and Molodoï means 'young' in Russian. It all began in 1986 with a high-school fanzine that later became an association. In 1989 came the idea of a venue for young Strasbourg people who found no place in the city's cultural offer. After two years of negotiations, the city entrusted a building to the association in 1991 under a long-term lease.
Renovated by volunteers
Volunteers renovated the building themselves over three years, with support from the Ministry of Culture and social and youth funding. The venue opened in 1994. Since 1997 the association has been run by a collegial board with no president and general assemblies open to all. In 2009, after a public campaign, the lease was renewed for twelve years. Today the venue presents itself as an alternative self-managed space for over thirty years.
Self-management, volunteering, eclecticism
Molodoï highlights four pillars: self-management, volunteering, eclecticism, with openness to every form of artistic expression, and a project centred on fairness, justice and putting people first. The venue hosts very different associations, from community boxing to tai chi and yoga, as well as Food Not Bombs. Open meetings and participatory work days are also part of its life.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
Where is Molodoï?
At 19 rue du Ban-de-la-Roche, in the station district, west of the historic centre.
How can you find out what's on?
Events are announced on the molodoi.net website, which also presents the venue's project and history.
What does the name CAJ Molodoï mean?
CAJ stands for Centre Autonome Jeunes (autonomous youth centre), and Molodoï means 'young' in Russian, a name inherited from the high-school fanzine where the project began.
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