ARTiculate - an Alternative Approach for Participation in Democratic Life

According to Youth Participation Strategy “Youth participation in democratic life is about individual young people and groups of young people having the right, the means, the space, the opportunity and, where necessary, the support to freely express their views, contribute to and influence societal decision making on matters affecting them, and be active within the democratic and civic life of our communities.” ARTiculate was conceived on this principle and it constitutes an alternative approach for participation in democratic life. As such it provided the means, the space, the opportunity and the support to young people, brought less-heard voices to the forefront through creative expression and art in order to influence public discourse. The project reached out to and involved in all its stages, young persons with fewer opportunities, from vulnerable groups and at risk of social exclusion.

ARTiculate managed to achieve the following objectives: -To provide an alternative setting for young persons at risk of social exclusion to assert their views on social, environmental, and other crucial issues via project implementation, art workshops and creative expression. -To provide an outlet for empowerment of young Europeans to become active citizens, and encourage them to participate in public discourse through short-term mobility, project implementation, non-formal, informal and intercultural learning. -To raise young people's awareness on European common values and fundamental rights, equality, non-discrimination and social inclusion. -To raise awareness at national and EU level regarding issues young Europeans prioritize.

The project implemented the following activities as described in the application: ACTIVITY 1 - Preparation and Kick-off Meeting (Nicosia) ACTIVITY 2 - ARTiculate your Views through Art – The workshops (Nicosia): ACTIVITY 3 - ARTiculate your Views through Art – The ONLINE workshops in Creative writing ACTIVITY 4 - ARTiculate – The Publication ACTIVITY 5 - Multiplier event - ARTiculate Your Views– The Presentation (Granada) ACTIVITY 6 - Preparation and Interim Transnational Meeting (Granada): ACTIVITY 7 - Multiplier Event - ARTiculate Your Views– The Presentation (Nicosia) ACTIVITY 8 - Final Transnational Meeting (on-line)

-16 young persons at risk of social exclusion and from vulnerable groups, engaged, connected, and empowered to participate in democracy via the arts. -Raised awareness (a) of young people on European values and fundamental rights, (b) of decision-makers on the specific issues of concern to youth, and on the validity of alternative approaches of participation. -Trained workshop facilitators. -Educational materials aiming to engage, connect, and empower young people through creative express. -Publication of participant's creative writing and visual art.