In recent years Tel Aviv-Yafo has gained worldwide recognition for its Mediterranean beach-culture, vibrant gay scene and start-up ecosystem, putting it on the "creative cities" map. Tel Aviv-Yafo is the youngest city in Israel, with over a third of its population aged 18-35. Yet, like in many other similar cities, such “glocal” recognition and growth lead to rising rent and living prices, pushing the very young and creative out of the city.

 

In 2011 a newly adapted ‘Youth Policy’ was set in motion, identifying challenges and proposing implementable solutions around several key issues such as Civic Engagement, Housing and Living, Education and Work, Art & Creativity, Accessibility to Municipal Information, Immigration Absorption and more. ‘Mazeh 9 – the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality's Center for Young Adults' opened to serve as a home and address for the policy’s manifestation and the people it may concern.
 

Mazeh 9 is a dynamic establishment for ideas and activities of the young and creative of Tel Aviv. Across four floors, it holds an open work space for everyone, a subsidized working hub for social entrepreneurs, a creative space for young artists, affordable art exhibitions, a housing center, study areas and bookable rooms for rehearsals.

Moreover, it supports and collaborates with creative community related initiatives through a variety of platforms and events that allow the residents themselves to decide what goes on in the building. Mazeh 9 wishes to change the normative relationship between the local government and young residents of the city.

 

The Youth Department also includes other venues such as:

- Yefet 83 – a community center based in Yafo focusing on education and employment opportunities for the Arab-youth.

- The ‘Library’ – a co-working space for early stage start-ups

- ‘Atidim 7’ – a business hub for Startups

All are being ‘brought-up’ in the same spirit as Mazeh 9.