Dates: 10- 18 March 2025
Place: Bansko, Bulgaria
About the project:
Youth ARTivism 4 Change” is a youth exchange focused on addressing the alarming rise of hate speech and cyberbullying among Gen Z youth, especially amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies reveal that online hate speech increased by over 20% globally during the pandemic, with 1 in 3 young people experiencing some form of cyberbullying. This harmful trend is not just confined to online platforms—it deeply impacts mental health, self-esteem, and social inclusion. To combat these challenges, “Youth ARTivism 4 Change” empowers young people to use creative tools like participatory theatre and graffiti. Through these expressive art forms, participants will explore the roots of hate speech and discrimination, gain skills to challenge these behaviors, and find their voices to advocate for equality, respect, and empathy in their communities. This project equips young people with tools to fight back using the transformative power of art. Participatory theatre creates safe spaces for dialogue, reflection, and empathy, while graffiti channels creativity to visually challenge hate and inspire change in public spaces. These art forms are chosen for their accessibility, emotional impact, and ability to engage both creators and audiences. Art is a universal language that transcends barriers, making it an effective medium for raising awareness and combating social issues.
Aim and objectives:
To empower young people to stand against hate speech, cyberbullying, and discrimination by utilizing participatory theatre and graffiti as creative tools to voice their concerns, promote empathy, and foster social inclusion.
- Raise Awareness: To educate participants on the prevalence and impact of hate speech, cyberbullying, and discrimination, supported by real-world data and personal stories.
- Develop Skills: To train young people in participatory theatre and graffiti, enabling them to use art as a medium for advocacy, self-expression, and community engagement.
- Promote Active Citizenship: To encourage participants to become ambassadors of change in their communities, using their artistic projects to inspire dialogue and challenge hate.
More of the idea:
Participatory theatre allows young people to step into others’ shoes, fostering empathy and understanding through storytelling and role-playing. It empowers participants to explore solutions and express their voices in a collaborative and impactful way. Graffiti, often misunderstood as mere vandalism, has historically been a tool for marginalized voices to speak out, protest, and connect with others. Public art is an accessible and engaging way to spark conversations and reclaim spaces for positive messaging. With “Youth ARTivism 4 Change,” we aim to inspire a new generation of changemakers who are equipped to combat hate with creativity, compassion, and courage. Together, we can turn art into a powerful movement for inclusion and respect. Together, we will transform walls and stages into platforms for positive change, proving that art can be a powerful weapon against hate. Join us in shaping a generation that stands against online and offline hate
Participant profile:
- Young people between 16-23 years old
- Participants that are currently NOT on their ESC
- Motivated to take part in the project
- Be able to understand/share their opinion in English
- Be tolerant and respectful
Participating countries:
Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Romania
Accommodation and food:
Accommodation and food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the duration of the activities will be covered by the receiving organization Association Alternativi International.All participants will be accommodated in Royal Bansko aparthotel , located in Bansko Bulgaria at the following address: ul. “Kosherinata” 2770, Bansko, Bulgaria
Extra information:
- Alternativi International will provide participants with three meals per day and two coffee breaks.
- Special needs: Any special food diet must be previously informed to the organizers. Please, make sure that we know about your special diet.
- ·Extra nights: For those who come earlier (before 10th of March) or/and leave later (after 18th of March), unfortunately the project cannot cover the extra nights and food. If your flights are earlier or later than the project dates, you will have to find accommodation for yourself. Of course, you can always contact the organizers to help you in finding a place to stay. The first provided meal will be the dinner on 10th of March 2025. On 18th of March 2025, the breakfast will be provided.
- NB!!! PLEASE KNOW THAT THE TOTAL DURATION OF THE EXTRA STAY SHOULD NOT EXTEND 2 DAYS –MEANING ( 1 DAY BEFORE AND 1 AFTER, OR 2 DAYS BEFORE OR 2 DAYS AFTER) . Or in case a transport is missing and the stay should be longer than 2 extra days you can request confirmation from us.
- Intercultural nights: For the intercultural evenings, we kindly ask you to prepare interactive presentation of your country. You can present it along with your food and drinks, music, traditional dances, etc. You can do it in the way you think is more suitable for the group, so be as creative as you want. You are more than welcome to bring traditional food and drinks for this evening. It will be possible to cook there in case you want to prepare something for that night, but you should buy the ingredients or bring them from your countries. You can also bring your flag, posters, postcards, leaflets or any kind of gift you want to give to the participants in order them to have a picture of where you come from. Videos or games are also a good idea to be implemented during that night!
If you are interested in and would like to take part in please fill the from here : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduhBmS5FXONO3QkCiLOLJMbSpc5SOT-8EbaLIc_vAZW1ulOg/viewform?c=0&w=1
Deadline:
13.02.2025
