EU&YOU: Enhancing European Identity Through Inter-generational Art Engagement

The overarching aim was to “empower European citizens to visually express the EU’s impact on their lives through an innovative intergenerational approach.” Specifically, the project sought to: 1) ...

The overarching aim was to “empower European citizens to visually express the EU’s impact on their lives through an innovative intergenerational approach.” Specifically, the project sought to: 1) showcase the EU’s positive influence on sustainable development, human rights, environmental protection, and local economies across three islands (Ireland, Madeira, and Sardinia); 2) foster collaborative learning and mutual understanding between younger and older adults; and 3) bridge generational and cultural divides through dialogue and artistic creation. By the end of the project, the intention was for participants to have developed stronger art and storytelling skills, deepened their understanding of the EU’s role in their communities, and strengthened their sense of European identity. Equally, the project aimed to create lasting outputs - a Virtual Museum of artworks, a network of intergenerational learners across borders, and increased capacity among partner organisations to deliver similar initiatives in the future.

The project was divided into two main phases. The first phase focused on national art and intergenerational workshops in each partner country, bringing together adults from two age groups to create artworks that reflected the EU’s local impact. These workshops also included visits to EU-funded projects and services, fostering learning through creative expression and dialogue. The second phase centred on international exhibitions and mobilities, with events held in Ireland, Madeira, and Sardinia. These gatherings allowed participants to showcase their work to local audiences, engage in cultural exchange, and strengthen their sense of shared European identity. Throughout the project, we integrated environmental mainstreaming and other Erasmus+ priorities such as inclusion and digital transformation. At the end, we launched a website functioning as a Virtual Museum to display the artworks and published a short impact report to capture the project’s outcomes.

The tangible outputs included over 24+ artworks created by participants reflecting the EU’s impact, a Virtual Museum hosting these pieces with accompanying personal stories, and three international art expositions attended by local audiences in each partner country. These events attracted community members, local media interest, and engagement with EU-related topics. Additionally, each partner organisation strengthened its capacity for delivering intergenerational, art-based civic education and gained valuable experience in cross-border cooperation. Beyond the tangible results, the project achieved strong personal and social outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, creative skills, and a deeper appreciation of the EU and its values. In some cases the project was truly life-changing, for example, a senior from Italy who had never flown before travelled abroad to present his work. Another participant from Ireland, instead, reported: “Being part of the EU&YOU project made me feel like I was part of a European family, brought together through creativity, and community. The exchange reminded me that art can be a powerful force for unity, learning, and growth - at any age and capability."