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Sargantana Napolitana: circo inclusivo

2022-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-0001014032022Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: ES|IT · Grant: €53,280
Creativity, arts and cultureDisabilitiesInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

The "SARGANTANA NAPOLITANA: Inclusive Circus" project of the Sargantana Circ Inclusiu Association is a Youth Exchange program that focuses on Social Circus as a transformative tool for young people from different groups at risk of exclusion. It is an innovative and collaborative initiative, where circus art becomes a common language that transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers. The promoting group is made up of circus artists with extensive experience and sensitivity in managing projects that integrate Social Circus as a means of community intervention. These professionals not only master circus techniques but also possess a solid understanding of the dynamics affecting at-risk groups, ensuring appropriate and effective intervention. This team is joined by young people with disabilities and professionals from the social sector in Naples, who share an interest in the Performing Arts as a tool for Personal and Community Development in vulnerable contexts. Both groups have been supported by two related associations: the SARGANTANA CIRC INCLUSIU Association of Valencia and the Compagnia Elefanti, organizations with experience in social and artistic projects. Each of these associations has worked with groups at risk of exclusion, including former prisoners, Roma communities, people with intellectual and sensory disabilities, and unaccompanied migrant minors. These organizations have played a fundamental role as a bridge and support during the project design, providing knowledge about the specific needs of the participants and helping to ensure that the activities are inclusive and meaningful. One of the notable aspects of the project is that all participants are unemployed young people, with a balanced representation of men and women, which promotes gender equality. Through this initiative, the goal is to contribute to their social integration, improve their employability, and foster their personal development. The circus is presented not only as an artistic discipline, but as a resource for acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and adopting positive attitudes that promote their integration, civic participation, self-esteem, and respect for diversity. The project's approach revolves around using the circus as a tool, not an end in itself. The circus activities carried out include practical workshops on circus skills such as juggling, acrobatics, balancing, and clowning, combined with dynamics that encourage reflection and teamwork. These activities not only improve the young people's motor and creative skills, but also strengthen their confidence, their ability to communicate and collaborate, and their sense of belonging to a group. Furthermore, the project's methodology integrates the collective creation of circus acts, allowing participants to express their stories, emotions, and aspirations through art. This process culminated in a public exhibition where the young people shared their work with the community, breaking down stigmas and promoting a positive view of their abilities and talents. This moment of connection between the young people and the public not only strengthens their self-esteem but also creates spaces for dialogue and raises awareness about the social issues affecting these groups. Finally, the project has a strong intercultural component. The collaboration between the Valencia and Naples associations and the diversity of the participants enrich the exchange of experiences, promoting values ​​such as tolerance, respect, and solidarity. This international dimension strengthens the sense of belonging to a global citizenship, where art and culture act as bridges to build more inclusive societies. Ultimately, “SARGANTANA NAPOLITANA: Inclusive Circus” is an example of how the circus can become a powerful tool for social change, offering young people not only new skills but also an opportunity to be heard, recognized, and valued in their communities.

Project partners (2)