The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the collective creativity because most of the artistic and cultural activities in Europe and elsewhere have been interrupted. On the other hand, the current epidemic has caused social stigma and it has caused the physical and social isolation of people with fewer opportunities. In this context, our project aims to propose innovative solutions to access and develop artistic and cultural initiatives for all. We will create and implement a digital and inclusive platform, designed for dynamic information, training, networking and support for creative initiatives. The "Multiculti ART" platform is also part of the development of smart cities in terms of art and culture. It will make activities, visits, meetings and collective creativity possible for youngsters from various backgrounds and by reaching the various citizens of our communities. We will focus on networking (especially among youth), and the creation of tools for the development of creative, artistic and cultural skills. By following this orientation, we wish to anchor the basis of intelligent, artistic, cultural and creative cities with the commitment of diverse and complementary partners. Our 24 months strategic transnational partnership project will be lead with 4 NGO from France, Greece, Belgium and Turkey. It includes the following activities: 1- Kick-off meeting in France, gathering all partner’s project manager, to establish the roles, modalities and methods of implementation for this project. 2- Preparation and implementation of a survey to identify the expectations and needs for the various stakeholders (organizations, local citizens, artists, local representatives) regarding the development of skills, the accessibility to artistic and cultural activities, as well as benefiting from the smart city in the fields of art and culture. 3- Creation of the platform "MULTICULTI ART" to develop a diversified network (institutions, associations, local authorities, cultural companies, artists, local decision-makers and youth), with an easier, clearer and dynamic information circulation about local cultural activities. This platform will also support initiatives in the artistic and cultural field. It will be the basis of the smart cities (in art and culture) for the involved communities. 4- Creation of E-learning trainings accessible on the platform as micro-learning about social entrepreneurship in this field. 5- Creation of an interactive map (GIS) to promote and visualize the information related to cultural and artistic events, activities and initiatives which take place in the communities of the consortium members. 6- A training course in Turkey for artistic and cultural educators from the institutions/ organizations, as well as for cultural stakeholders from the city halls, to develop their digital and pedagogical skills, in order for them to become co-administrators of the platform and e-mentors for the beneficiaries. 7- Creation of a mini-tutorial, as an interactive video, which helps anyone to understand the advantages of the artistic and cultural smart city, and use efficiently the platform, contribute to it, and to its dynamism and durability. 8- Creation of a promo-video of the platform "MULTICULTI ART" to increase the numbers of users. 9- a remote mid-term evaluation meeting, with all partner’s project promoter, to share feedbacks and results, and to adjust the following parts of the project in consequence, in order to reach our objectives. 10- A seminar in Belgium involving 2 local elected representatives, the participants of the previous training course, one active youth of our platform, from each partner community, and the person in charge of the project from each partner. The seminar aims to increase their engagement for the development and promotion of the platform, to support local and artistic initiatives created by the platform’s beneficiaries, and to acheive a cooperation plan for a better implementation of the smart city in terms of art and culture via the platform. 11 – To carry artistic and cultural local initiatives/creation implemented by the young active members of the platform, in their local community. These initiatives will be referenced on the GIS map. 12 – A dissemination event organized locally by each partner, to promote the platform and the concept of smart city in terms of Art and Culture. Each partner will organize a local event and promote as well the initiatives set up by local citizens, beneficiaries of the platform. 13– An evaluation meeting in Greece, which will lead to a cooperation plan co-conceived with the partners, in order to ensure the sustainability of the project.
This project has allowed us to achieve the following objectives: - Opportunity for partner institutions and organizations in the arts and cultural fields to modernize their working methods to make their activities more visible, accessible and sustainable. - Strengthening the links between institutions, organizations and individuals active in the fields of art and culture associating in a common project of community development through the development of the smart city actively engaging youth (including JAMO). - Creation of a digital and interactive platform to promote, encourage, develop and bring out artistic and cultural practices, and make them more accessible and inclusive. - Development of digital and pedagogical skills of cultural actors and educators, facilitation of partnerships in order to engage in non-formal artistic and cultural education as an e-tutor. - Promotion of non-formal distance learning, thus developing the artistic and cultural skills of young people (including JAMO), encouraging their creativity and engaging them in contributing to the development of their community. - Improving the inclusion of young people (including JAMO) in their community, personally and professionally.
The COVID crisis has had a heavy impact on the cultural sectors. This situation has led actors of these fields to limit access to their activities, resulting in the isolation of some of their users and a reduction of their visibility. For these reasons, they have had to find new ways of reaching their members and recipients, while complying with health regulations. With the limiting of gatherings, it was urgent to find new ways of promoting culture and artistic creation by reaching a wide audience. Many people have seen their access to culture and artistic activities reduced or eliminated: the elderly, people living in rural or disadvantaged areas and with modest economic means. This situation has contributed to their isolation. In this context, digital access and promotion of cultural practices and venues was an opportunity to be seized, with a potential for mobilization and dynamism favorable to smart cities. We targeted a young audience, including JAMO, as they represent a part of this population where accessibility to cultural practices is a major issue for their personal and professional development.