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Art Myths Culture

2024-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-0002020072024Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: IT|GE|MK|EL|UA|BA · Grant: €39,155
Creativity, arts and cultureBridging intercultural, intergenerational and social dividePreventing radicalisation

Objectives

Europe faces the dual challenge of cultural fragmentation and the radicalization of its youth, issues that become increasingly pressing in the European area, which is every year more culturally diverse but interconnected. According to Eurostat, Europe boasts a rich diversity with over 200 languages spoken and a myriad of cultural traditions, this diversity sometimes brings challenges for social cohesion. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights highlights concerns regarding the radicalization of youth, with a notable increase in young people attracted by extremist ideologies. "Art Myths Culture" (AMC) emerges as a direct response to these challenges, inspired and carried forward by young people who have previously participated in the YE "Mural" and "Discover You-THrough Art". Specifically, the Greek, Italian, and Macedonian teams have contributed primarily to the development of AMC, focusing on the richness of myths and cultural stories as a means to engage young people in positive dialogues about identity, diversity, and respect. AMC sheds new light on the heritage and shared values of European identity, encouraging young people to explore and express their cultural narratives through art, thus counteracting the trend towards radicalization and acquiring a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the concept of diversity. Through such engagement, AMC seeks to bridge cultural divides, promoting a sense of belonging and a shared European identity among its participants and highlighting the fundamental role of young people as active contributors to a more cohesive and vibrant society. "Art Myths Culture" aims to create a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange among young people from Italy, Greece, Georgia, Macedonia, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on the inclusion of participants with fewer opportunities. This initiative finds its ideal backdrop in Calabria, historically known as a meeting point of different cultures and populations. The inclusion of third countries associated and not associated with the Program is fundamental. It extends the dialogue and exchange beyond EU borders, recognizing that the challenges mentioned are not circumscribable but are part of a broader narrative. Engaging these countries enriches the project with diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting a more comprehensive approach to fostering unity and understanding. It underlines the importance of building bridges across the continent, highlighting that a cohesive society requires the involvement and collaboration of all nations, regardless of their EU membership status. If that were not enough, we will tackle the UN's SDGs, in particular concerning quality education (4), reducing inequalities (10), promoting peace, and justice (16), and embodying the spirit of partnership (17). The project is based on M. Bennett's DMIS, which serves as a theoretical foundation to guide participants on a journey of growth: from "Denial," where cultural differences are minimized, to the fluid "Integration" of different cultural perspectives and habits. With these clear objectives in mind, we have agreed that the use of Mythology and Art is the most engaging way for young people to explore meaningful conversations about their identity and their roles within the broader European society. This approach also allows us to contribute to preserving intangible cultural heritage, effectively countering feelings of isolation and alienation that can often lead to radicalization. OBJECTIVES: - Promote understanding and appreciation of European cultural heritage, including Myths, Legends, and Symbols, using non-formal education methods based on art; - Encourage intercultural exchange to strengthen understanding among young people from different social backgrounds and stimulate the expression of their cultural and personal narratives; - Promote a balanced worldview and counter extremist narratives, actively contributing to preventing the radicalization of young people; - Address the SDGs in an alternative way through the exploration of Myths and Legends; - Align future generations with the EU Strategy for Youth 2019-2027, promoting the importance of active participation of young people in democratic life, the need for social and civic engagement, and supporting the idea of a united Europe through principles of sustainability; - Increase awareness of the Erasmus+ program and the Youthpass; - Contribute to bridging intercultural, intergenerational, and social divisions, extending dialogue and exchange beyond EU borders; - Ensure inclusive participation, offering young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, access to EU cultural and educational experiences.

Project partners (6)