Art as universal language of integration

"<< Background >>The basic idea of the project is that art is a universal language. Regardless of how well someone speaks the common language, art provides a way to express oneself, create understanding, tell stories, discover commonalities, and bring people together. This is important in an increasingly diverse society. People with migration or refugee backgrounds need spaces to express themselves and exchange ideas. Art is also a way for them to process their storiesand experiences. Access to art is often very high-threshold, requiring low-threshold offerings and connecting individuals—mentors who know the system and can help remove obstacles. From our work with the target group, we know that art can be a method for people with a migration background to engage with their history and roots. It can be a way to create understanding, even among those who might not otherwise engage with the topic. Instead of reading impersonal news in the media about issues like flight and migration, art encourages people to immerse themselves in stories and be moved by them. Refugees and migrants are often confronted with prejudices, leading to a lack of self-efficacy and opportunities to participate. This is what the project aims to change.<< Objectives >>The main objective of the project proposal is to empower refugees by engaging them through their artistic talents. An important aspect was also the enhancement of the mental well-being of the participants.The mentoring program aimed to create a safe space for exchange. The participants were introduced to people across borders who share similar interests. Through the project, participants gained knowledge about the art scenes in Vienna and Bratislava through activities such as visiting museums and workshops. Seeing oneself as an artist is a significant step, and mentors, along with a group of people with similar interests and goals, can provide support in this process. Mentors served as guides for artistic development and bridges to the established art scene. To engage the general public through exhibitions in Vienna and Bratislava and foster exchange among the majority society and refugees. The artists, in turn, see that their stories and work are valuable and contribute to social good. It is an act of self-efficacy and empowerment. Additionally, the aim was also to increase the knowledge of the organisations involved and those working with refugees in Europe in how to use art as as a tool for inclusion.<< Implementation >>A mentoring program brought together 10 mentors and 12 mentees in pairs to work closely over 8-12 months on artistic skills and gain access to the art scenes in Vienna and Bratislava. Six Workshops were also conducted to strengthen various skills (Fundraising, Social Media, Portfolio, Prepare for an exhibition etc. Joint events organized for the mentees provided a safe space for this vulnerable group to exchange ideas and express themselves. Participants were further supported in 3 coaching circles by a coach to delve deeper into various topics. Two mentees also did individual 1:1 caching session with the coach. 15 Open art spaces allowed more participants to engage, experiment with diverse art techniques, and visit art venues together. Two exhibitions held in Vienna and Bratislava offered artists the chance to showcase their work for the first time and share their stories and life experiences with a broader audience. Accompanying events around these exhibitions provided opportunities for deeper exploration of thematic elements. Regular exchanges between Fremde werden Freunde and bpi were also crucial for mutual learning and collaboration.<< Results >>A Guide for Cultural Inclusion with the results of 38 interviews, which were conducted in Austria and Slovakia was created. Heart of the project was an art mentoring program with 12 mentees and 10 mentors. They worked together over 8 to 12 months, supported by 3 coaching circles and 6 workshops. A coaching workbook guided them through their journey. The mentees presented their artworks that were created during the art mentoring in an exhibition in vienna and bratislava. The exhibition ""Fruit, seeds"" was curated by Tonica Hunter, also a mentor in the project. Besides the opening event in vienna with speeches, artist-led tours, djs, food with more than 80 participants, 2 side events - ""Mehmooni - tales of the revolution"" with stories from iran and ""Reclaiming represantations"" - a tour & workshop for black and people of colour. took place at the museum. The exhibition than moved to bratislava with an opening event with also over 80 visitors. To broaden the field of participants 15 open art spaces for people who are interested in art took place in vienna, 3 in cooperation with the University of applied arts Vienna and 1 with Mumok. For communication Social Media was crucial. For the exhibitions posters and flyers were created."