14-29/6/2015- Training Course: Arts for Social Development (Epidavros, Greece)

ARTS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: A Non-Formal Education Perspective (14-29 June 2015, Epidavros, Greece). Application form: http://goo.gl/forms/H04HLSQLOR

Rationale:
The arts are a powerful vehicle for social-emotional learning because they have universal appeal and allow for group participation by persons of all abilities, cultures and backgrounds. Shared creative experiences can facilitate insight and empathy, which enable changing perceptions of self and others, social connection, and individual and collective empowerment. Furthermore, group-based arts activities can be implemented in school, local communities and recreational settings where most youth can be found. Arts no longer exist only in concert halls, theatres and exhibition galleries- it has become a powerful agent of social change, inspiring young people, families and communities to realize their potential and create opportunities for growth, poverty relief and social inclusion of disadvantaged groups (migrants, unemployed, NEETs etc).

At the same time governments and people around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of the arts and culture as a dynamic and innovative sector with clear linkages to employment, education and the wider socio-economic arena. Not without debate, still, it has become increasingly clear that the creative industries are not only driving innovation and impacting our lives as consumers and citizens, but becoming essential to the infrastructure of our societies. Yet accessing their full potential remains a challenge and public policies, skills and infrastructure are often struggling to keep up.

Project ambition and objectives:
The project aims to bring together artists, creative professionals and arts organizations with NGO’s, community leaders and social entrepreneurs to share skills, knowledge, learn from each other and work collaboratively to create pilot activities for city development.

Project objectives:

i). To raise awareness of the value of interactions and cross sector collaboration between artists, creative and social entrepreneurs and civil society organizations.

ii). To create a lab environment where this collaborative spirit can flourish and lead to action.

iii). To build skills, increase cross sector exchange and knowledge transfer and improve cultural sector capacity and opportunities for collaboration/employment.

iv). As an end result, present one pilot activity tackling timely and relevant social or community issues through a collaborative artistic project in the field of theater, music and visual arts.

v). Share results and ideas in a round table discussion for policy makers and key stakeholders at local and international level.

George Kyroglou
Skype: george.kyroglou
Website: http://www.YMCgreece.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthMobilityCenter?fref=ts
Mobile: +30 6979749429
E-Mail: YMCgreece@gmail.com
Phone: +30 6976220668

Πηγή: http: www.salto-youth.net