Mini Plant for the Production of Commonness

How do we collaborate to overcome boundaries? How do our means of production become part of the commons? And what do we create with them? In the miniature factory Minipogon, in the heart of Vienna’s Favoriten district, not only plastic is recycled, but also an alternative to capitalism is put to the test.

A miniature factory right at Viktor Adler market. What is going to be produced here? The answer: New beautiful objects from discarded plastic and stories that come up during their production, about work and economy, materials and waste. The factory idea was born in Belgrade, where Minipogon installed self-built plastic recycling machines in a refugee shelter. Firstly, something tangible will be produced and, secondly, the time spent while collecting, shredding, melting, moulding, and utilising the plastic objects will be used to talk about money, the division of labour, individual and shared economics – and about life itself.

You too can join the Minipogon project! As part of WIENWOCHE, the group will set up a factory in Favoriten. In a collaborative kick-off event, all those present will be negotiating what the following working days should look like: what will be produced, how will we work, who will be in charge of machine maintenance, and who will provide the supplies? However, no discussion about flexible working hours will be held: the 6-hour workday applies to the Minipogon! At noon, there are canteen talks with invited guests about a range of topics, such as plastic as a material, "open sourced" means of production, organisation in the workplace, as well as social added value. Now it is time to collect plastic! And if enough plastic workers arrive at Viktor Adler market, there may soon be the first Favoriten Minipogon works council elections ...

Production: WIENWOCHE
Photo: (C) Minipogon