Art Attack
European project that promotes mental health and motivates young people through art and non-formal education, strengthening creativity, self-confidence, and the personal, professional, emotional and communication skills of youth workers
Period
February 2023 - February 2025
Area
Art, criativity, non-formal education
Status
Completed
About the project
The "Art Attack - Art for Self Empowerment" project emerged from the partners’ shared concern about the social consequences and mental health impacts caused by the pandemic and periods of lockdown, particularly among young people. Faced with issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, lack of motivation and lack of initiative, the project sought to promote a more positive outlook on the future by strengthening participants’ self-confidence, creativity and personal and professional skills.
The initiative aimed to develop the skills of youth workers and arts educators through creative methods focused on emotional management, self-awareness and communication through art and creative writing. It also sought to strengthen the creative, communication and professional skills of young artists through innovative training in an artistic residency setting.
The project also brought the world of art closer to non-formal education and professional pathways, promoting the identification and sharing of good practices among the three partner countries. Through these approaches, participants were encouraged to express their emotions, develop new forms of communication and strengthen their confidence in their abilities.
The main outcomes include a video documenting the project activities, a PDF manual describing the stages, methods and exercises used, and a set of professional photographs for dissemination and inclusion in the manual.
Consortium
Coordinator
Kinderfreunde Mühlviertel
AUSTRIA
International partners
Check-IN Association
PORTUGAL
Linzer Veranstaltungsges.m.b.H
AUSTRIA
Associazione Agrado
ITALY
Chiarugi Eleonora
ITALY
Objectives
- 1Strengthen the skills of youth workers and arts educators through creative methods for emotional management and self-awareness;
- 2Develop communication strategies through art and creative writing to support young people in vulnerable situations;
- 3Promote the creative, communication and professional skills of young artists through innovative training in an artistic residency setting;
- 4Bring art closer to non-formal education and professional pathways through the sharing of good practices among the three partner countries.
Activities
Project Management
February 2023 - February 2025 - Austria, Italy and Portugal - Transnational partner meetings: 3 coordination, monitoring and follow-up meetings were held to support the implementation of the project activities and results. The meetings made it possible to assess the progress of the different project phases, define the next steps and ensure effective cooperation among the partner organisations.
Learning, Teaching and Training Activity
June 2023 - Alcoutim, Portugal - Training Course: The activity brought together 24 participants, including youth workers and young people from the partners’ target groups. The training included practical activities to develop creative skills, experiment with new methods and tools, and promote the exchange of experiences among participants. The activity provided an opportunity to explore creative and non-formal education approaches and test methodologies that can be adapted to different youth work contexts.
Local Workshops
October 2023 - December 2023 - Local Workshops: Local workshops were organised to test and apply the methodologies developed by the project, involving the target groups in practical and creative activities. The workshops made it possible to collect participants’ feedback, identify areas for improvement and promote the sharing of experiences among young people, youth workers and educators.
1st Study Visit
January 2024 - Klafer, Austria - Study Visit: The study visit focused on identifying local initiatives, projects and practices related to art, creativity and non-formal education. Participants had the opportunity to explore different approaches to working with young people, exchange experiences with local organisations and gather good practices that could inspire the development of creative activities within the project.
2nd Study Visit
April 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal - Study Visit: The study visit focused on exploring creative and participatory approaches used in youth work and educational contexts. The activity provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, identify practical methodologies and reflect on how artistic activities can support young people’s participation, creativity and personal development.
3rd Study Visit
June 2024 - Vinci, Italy - Study Visit: The study visit provided an opportunity to explore local examples of artistic and creative practices and their use in educational and community contexts. Participants exchanged knowledge and experiences with local initiatives, gathering ideas and methodologies that contributed to the project resources and strengthened cooperation among the partner organisations.
Artistic Residency and Art Exhibition
September 2024 - Klafer, Austria - Artistic Residency and Art Exhibition: An artistic residency was organised, providing participants with a dedicated space for the creation, experimentation and development of artistic works, using the approaches explored throughout the project. The activity culminated in an art exhibition, promoting the sharing of the creative outcomes with the local community and a wider audience.
Booklet
January to December 2024 - Production of the Art Attack Booklet: Development of a booklet bringing together and showcasing the main activities, results, methodologies and experiences developed throughout the project. The resource provides practical inspiration for youth workers, educators and other professionals interested in using creative and artistic approaches in non-formal education contexts.
Video
January 2024 to January 2025 - Production of the Art Attack Project Video: Production of a project video documenting the main activities, experiences and results of Art Attack, presenting the creative process and the participation of young people and partner organisations throughout the project.
Multiplier Events
January to February 2025 - Dissemination Sessions: Events were organised to present and disseminate the main project results, share experiences and promote the use of the resources developed among the target groups, youth workers, educators and the wider community.
Produced Materials
Art Attack Manual
Practical manual with activities, methods and exercises to promote more creative learning.
Check materialProject Video
Video presenting the main activities, results and experiences developed throughout the project.
Check materialInterview promoting the Art Exhibition in Linz (Austria)
The artistic and creative process behind the art exhibition held in Linz
Check materialGallery
Learn more
Learn more about the project on its instagram page