Act&Art For Positive Social Change

Background Accordingly, the Gallup study of attitudes toward immigration found people in Europe the most negative in the world towards immigration. The majority of residents (58%) said immigration levels in their countries should be decreased. And all that while migrants constitute 4.6% of the European population, a percentage which could be ‘translated’ into numbers as 20 million migrants. Young people in the more disadvantaged segments of society (e.g., amongst NEETS) implicitly will be more likely to disengage and stay out. Our exploratory interviews showed that for many, this ‘staying out’ is a consequence of a perception of being discriminated against, of being neglected by those in power. Refugees and migration is controversial and polarising topic across Europe. However, increasing diversity is a reality that we need to accept. Instead of deepening the division on the subject, more than ever, constructive dialogue is essential. Moreover, today (young) refugees are an intrinsic part of society. In order to overcome the growing tension in society, youth workers have to work together to design the solutions of tomorrow. One of the most effective tools for inclusion is “art and communication.” It is aimed to use creativity and art to increase diversity and inclusion for the specified target audience in our project. From the beginning, our main concern will be the link between the arts and society, significantly how participation in the arts may enhance social inclusion. Objectives Objectives Based on the background and needs described above, the aim of the Art&Act project is to increase the competencies of youth workers in inclusion, non-formal education and digital youth work and support their professional development to ensure the social integration of young migrants and refugees through art. The objectives of the project; To ensure the cooperation of 7 institutions from Slovenia, Belgium, France, Germany and Turkey for 18 months, to ensure the development and transfer of good practices for the social inclusion of refugees/immigrants and disadvantaged youth, to improve the scope of their work in this field 2. To carry out field research to determine the needs and wishes of youth workers and contribute to youth work and other projects to be carried out in this field from now on. 3. Producing a 48-hour capacity building training program to develop the knowledge and skills needed by youth workers to ensure social inclusion of refugees/immigrants and disadvantaged youth through art and creativity 4. To produce an Art&Act Toolbox using existing/innovative artistic and cultural tools, workshops and practices to ensure social inclusion of refugees/immigrants and disadvantaged youth through art, to be used in the capacity building training program. 5. Implementing a 6-day international pilot training in which 4 youth workers from each project