The objectives of the proposed project were: 1. To improve the capacity of youth trainers in art and culture to foster tolerance, mutual understanding and non-discrimination among youth through creative training methods. 2. To improve the capacity of youth trainers in art and culture to promote social inclusion and diversity and to prevent racism and intolerance among youth by using as a tool an art-training module based on marionette techniques. 3. To improve skills and competences needed to successfully involve participants with fewer opportunities in all the stages of the project. 4. To raise environmental consciousness and promote environmentally sustainable behavior by integrating sustainable activities in the implementation of the project. 5. To enhance the access of open-source art-based training tools to youth trainers and learners. 6. To build capacity and professionalism to work transnationally at EU level and to reinforce cooperation with partners from other countries.
Considering global issues, such as migration, social isolation, and fear of diversity and inclusive way of living, it should be clear that values such as respect, tolerance, equity and equality, mutual understanding and non-discrimination have become more important than ever. Research has shown that creative expression through art-based methods helps youth to be aware of issues not easily comprehended through rational argumentation. Literature reviews show that there are very few methods aiming to provide youth trainers with guidelines and tools which will enable them to help youth in developing awareness for social issues. This project aimed to provide youth trainers in art and culture with art-based methods which will help youth to conceptualise social values and meanings arising through the learning context. More specifically, an art training module was created, including: - narration inspired by philosophical and literary texts, which raise social awareness and promote tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for inclusion and diversity, - a kinetic methodology which reflects emotions and feelings inspired by the narrated texts, - marionette techniques and a case study based on this art training module.