Currently, approximately 10% of the EU population was born in a different country from the one in which they reside. Βased on Eurostat (2020), 21.8 million non-EU citizens were living in the EU on 1 January 2019, representing 4,9% of the EU-27 population. Based on the same source, third country nationals (TCNs) in the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Belgium, and UK, represented 3-6% of the total population. The situation is even more extreme in Turkey, where 3.5 million refugees were hosted in 2017 (WB data). Within this context, the integration of TCNs in their host communities constitutes a significant challenge. Migrants face a greater risk of social exclusion than the native population, especially with respect to accessing employment, education, health and social services. The EU-27 unemployment rate for non-EU citizens was 14.7% in 2019, approximately 8.6 percentage points higher than the average for nationals (Eurostat 2020). Similarly, based on PISA data, students with a migrant background underperform compared to non-migrants, while according to RAND Europe (“Education of EU migrant children in EU Member States”), there is a notable difference between the proportions of early school leavers among EU migrants and non-migrants. According to OECD and IOM (Migration Factsheet No. 6), migrants have been proven particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made even more challenging their integration process in host countries. Studies indicate that art therapy can improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being of migrants and refugees and promote their social inclusion (Fitzpatrick, 2002; Rousseau et al., 2005; Rousseau & Heusch, 2000). While arts and culture by, for, and with migrants and refugees can promote wellbeing, and dismantle structural barriers to integration, they can have exclusionary potential themselves. In spite of the interest of ethnic groups to attend arts and performance events, structural barriers such as the lack of financial means and languages difficulties, along with a lack of identification with some art forms and contents, can hinder the consumption of arts and culture by migrants and refugees (Le & Fujimoto, 2010). The contribution of arts in the integration process of TCNs is currently underestimated, while such techniques and tools are not mainstreamed in the portfolio of professionals, educators, and volunteers working with TCNs. The purpose of the project is to address the basic need and challenge of promoting the successful integration of TCNs within the EU and cultivate creative expression as means to promote their social inclusion and community cohesion. Implemented in 6 countries (Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Belgium, UK, and Turkey) the project will involve at least 60 TCNs and 60 educators, professionals and volunteers working with TCN. In-Create will focus on developing and applying pioneer methodologies on various alternative ways of expression, such as Visual Art, literature, theatre, creative writing, film, and photography. This will be achieved through the following activities: - Exploring the role of culture and arts in TCNs’ integration. - Design and implementation of a capacity building programme for professionals on how to utilise arts as a way of creative expression for TCNs. - Implementation of the Creativity Labs where trained professionals and educators will apply in practice the capacity building methodology in their work with TCNs. - 5 national Infoday events and an international conference in Brussels. The expected results, envisaged impact, and long-term benefits of the abovementioned activities include: • Development of a comprehensive capacity building methodology, a training programme, and an online platform for professionals on how to utilise arts as a way of creative expression fostering the social inclusion and integration of TCNs. • Increased capacity of at least 60 educators, professionals, and volunteers working with adult TCNs in offering quality supporting to TCNs on how to utilise arts as a way of creative expression. • Enhanced skills and competences on the use of arts as creative expression of at least 60 TCNs in the implementing countries through their participation in the Creativity Labs. • Increased stakeholders’ awareness on the usefulness of arts as an alternative way of promoting integration of TCNs. • Elevated social cohesion levels and increased level of integration of the 60 TCNs in their local communities. • Introduction of an innovative and practical methodology, the Creativity Labs, promoting the sustainable integration of TCNs in their host communities, not only in the 6 implementing countries, but also at EU level. • Enriched portfolio of services and tools available for stakeholders working with TCNs as vehicles for promoting the inclusion of TCNs in the EU.
The IN-Create project strategically aimed to dismantle barriers hindering the social integration of TCNs in partner countries. Utilizing diverse art forms such as theater, film, photography and social economy, the project provided TCNs with creative outlets for self-expression, fostering a profound sense of belonging. Innovative capacity-building methods not only empowered professionals, educators, volunteers, and TCNs but also contributed to the social economy. The project, facilitated by a user-friendly web platform, ensured widespread access to transformative initiatives. The primary objectives were to address the fundamental challenge of promoting the successful integration of TCNs within the EU. The project focused on cultivating creative expression as a means to enhance social inclusion and community cohesion, using pioneer methodologies in theatre, film, photography and social economy. The target groups included TCNs undergoing integration processes and professionals, educators, and volunteers working with adult TCNs. The transnational character added value by developing a common solution to a complex problem, contributing to addressing crucial European integration challenges.
The project application responds to the urgent need for innovative solutions in light of drastic demographic shifts in the EU. Over the past five years, increased migration from politically unstable regions has led to a significant influx of third-country nationals (TCNs). Currently, about 10% of the EU population was born in a different country. Eurostat (2020) reveals 21.8 million non-EU citizens in the EU, constituting 4.9% of the EU-27 population, with TCNs representing 3-6% in specific countries. Integration challenges, including high unemployment rates (14.7% for non-EU citizens) and educational disparities, are exacerbated by the vulnerability of migrants. Studies suggest the untapped potential of arts in TCNs integration. The project addresses this gap by fostering creative expression to promote social inclusion and community cohesion. The comprehensive approach included exploring the role of culture and arts, designing a capacity-building program and Creativity Labs. Targeting TCNs in the integration process and professionals, educators, and volunteers working with them, the project's transnational focus ensured a tailored yet adaptable solution applicable to multiple countries.