Art of Change

Art of Change is an Erasmus+ youth exchange program that brought together a vibrant group of young participants from across Europe, creating a unique platform for exploring democracy, human rights, and the transformative power of art. Over the course of eight exciting days, participants engaged in a diverse array of activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange. This initiative was more than just a youth exchange; it was a transformative experience that empowered young people to express themselves, understand different perspectives, and build lasting connections. As participants left with newfound knowledge, skills, and friendships, they also carried a renewed motivation to advocate for positive change in their communities. For those who were part of this incredible journey, the memories will last a lifetime.

The project welcomed participants from six countries: the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia, Romania, and Spain. This international group brought their different backgrounds to the discussions and activities, showing how important it is to be united in diversity. Together, they worked to learn from each other and understand the important social issues they face in their countries.  Throughout the program, participants took part in a variety of engaging activities. They began with ice-breaking games that built trust and friendships, followed by workshops focused on core values related to human rights. Participants worked in journalistic groups to develop social media strategies, showcasing their experiences through creative content. They documented their journey in a brochure, which you can view HERE.

A key highlight of the project was the final performance, which served as both a culmination of the participants' hard work and an opportunity to engage with the local community. This event was open to residents of Tisnov and Dobrouvnik, aiming to inspire and raise awareness about the project's themes of democracy and human rights. The performance showcased the creativity and teamwork of the participants, featuring music, dance, and theatrical elements that convey powerful messages about social change. By inviting local people, the project aimed to bridge the gap between cultures and create a sense of community involvement.
To extend their reach, participants also created social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok, documenting their experiences and sharing highlights from the project. You can follow their ongoing story on Instagram [link here] and on TikTok [link here]. The project and performance were captured in videos, allowing others to relive the excitement and creativity of the week. Watch the video of the project HERE and the performance HERE.

The main organizing team included Ketevan Midelashvili, Viktorie Stastna, Yurii Voloshyn, Facilitators from Ukraine: Anastasiia Tarhonska and Bohdana Marchenko, along with our ESC volunteers and the leader of the Ukrainian team, Alona Kovalenko. Their hard work and dedication were essential in making this beautiful project a reality. The success of Art of Change was made possible through the collaboration of this organizing team and several partner organizations, including Hnizdo - spolek pro komunitni vzdelavani, Gromadska Organizatsiya Kharkivska Asotsiatsiya Dlya Aktyvnoi Molodi - Stella, Mittetulundusuhing Noored Uhiskonna Heaks, Doinita Dance Studio, and the International Center for Peace and Integration (ICPI). Each organization contributed unique perspectives and resources, helping to shape the project and support its objectives. 

In summary, Art of Change was a remarkable journey that not only educated and inspired its participants but also left a lasting impact on the local community. By empowering young people to use their voices and creativity for social change, the project created a sense of hope and unity that will resonate long after its conclusion. Participants left this experience with a stronger commitment to advocate for positive change and to celebrate the role of art as a tool for transformation. This remarkable initiative highlighted the potential of youth to create a brighter future, and its legacy will continue to inspire others on their own journeys.

The project is fully supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union!