Empowering New Generations through Artistic Group Experiences

<< Background >>The ENGAGE project aimed to support the evolution of the education and skills transmission sector, in which learning methods are diversifying and becoming increasingly horizontal. In this context, participatory arts practices that place dialogue, sensory experience and capacity-building at the centre of learning are more and more common. However, the sector has not yet fully integrated these practices into its training programmes, leaving professionals isolated on this subject. The project therefore sought to respond to a need for improved skills and resources in the management of participatory projects, first identified by Têtes de l'Art and confirmed among the partners. Interviews with around sixty professionals showed that around ¾ of them felt the need to improve their skills in designing and managing participatory projects, around 60% had limited access to practical resources to improve their skills, and over 85% expressed a strong interest in free training sessions focusing on non-formal education techniques. << Objectives >>Nous avons commencé par un atelier d’apprentissage entre pairs pour échanger sur ce que sont les projets artistiques participatifs et sur la manière dont ils peuvent permettre aux jeunes de s’exprimer sur des questions de société. Pendant 5 jours, éducateurs, travailleurs sociaux et artistes, issus des 4 pays partenaires, ont testé des pratiques artistiques (théâtre, danse, arts visuels, etc.) et partagé leurs expériences, liées à leurs contextes spécifiques. Dans un second temps, une phase pilote a consisté à tester 2 outils (partagés lors de la phase de formation) dans tous les pays où se trouvent les organisations partenaires, en les adaptant aux publics de ces territoires. L’objectif de cette phase était d’identifier les difficultés et d’ajuster les outils en conséquence.Ces expériences ont été compilées dans un livret sur l’art participatif, traduit en 5 langues. Il est une ressource précieuse pour les professionnels du secteur qui y trouveront des exemples de bonnes pratiques, des outils et des témoignages. Présenté dans le cadre d’un événement à Marseille, en présence de tous les membres du consortium, il continuera à être diffusé dans les différents événements locaux et réseaux des partenaires.<< Implementation >>We started with a peer-to-peer learning workshop to discuss what participatory arts projects are and how they can give young people a voice on social issues. For 5 days, educators, social workers and artists from the 4 partner countries tested artistic practices (theatre, dance, visual arts, etc.) and shared their experiences, linked to their specific contexts. In a second phase, a pilot phase consisted of testing 2 tools (shared during the training phase) in all the countries where the partner organisations are based, adapting them to the audiences in those territories. The aim of this phase was to identify any difficulties and adjust the tools accordingly.These experiences have been compiled in a booklet on participatory art, translated into 5 languages. It is a valuable resource for professionals in the sector, who will find examples of good practice, tools and testimonials. Presented at an event in Marseille, attended by all the members of the consortium, it will continue to be circulated at various local events and partner networks.<< Results >>The main concrete output of the project is a booklet, in 5 languages, which brings together pedagogical tools, methods and techniques that can be used by professionals working with young people in participatory, arts-based projects in which people develop artistic and citizenship skills.This was achieved through the dynamic process of the project, which brought together trainers, artists and social workers from organisations working with young people in its peer learning phase, and then the target audiences of these organisations in the pilot phase. All the participants gained new skills through the experience of this project and by meeting their peers from other countries.Finally, the booklet facilitates the exchange and dissemination of participatory artistic practices and techniques across Europe and the Mediterranean. It helps to build a network of professionals who incorporate participatory artistic practices into their work with young people, thereby encouraging their involvement in society.