Project Information
Project Reference: 2020-1-AT02-KA227-YOU-002954
Status: Completed | Duration: Jun 30, 2021 – Jun 29, 2023 | EU Grant: 257,612.78 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+ | Action Type: Partnerships for Creativity
Countries Involved: Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Poland
Background
The MyCreativity – MyPower project was developed in response to the growing need to involve young people in social and political life through creative expression. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how strongly young people and artists were affected, highlighting the importance of linking art with activism. The project aimed to demonstrate how creativity can support social change and give young people, especially those from disadvantaged groups, tools to express themselves and influence their communities.
Objectives
The main goal was to empower young people to use art as a way of expressing political and social demands. The project encouraged self-expression, identity reflection, and activism while providing mental health support and opportunities to meet new people. It aimed to strengthen soft skills, promote non-violent action, and connect youth with decision-makers. Another key objective was to build a strong community and improve communication between young people, artists, and politicians.
Implementation
The project started with three national workshops in each partner country, focusing on artistic methods and raising political demands. This was followed by three international youth mobilities in Vienna, Palermo, and Brussels, where participants joined creative workshops, city tours, street performances, flash mobs, and even performed in front of policymakers. Online rehearsals between mobilities helped maintain connections. In addition, a Joint Staff Training, four Transnational Project Meetings, and one Multiplier Event supported knowledge exchange and dissemination. All resources and results were collected on the website mycreativitymypower.eu.
Key Activities
The project combined artistic expression with activism. Young people explored theater, performance, and creative methods as tools for social and political engagement. They participated in discussions with politicians, public performances, and collaborative workshops. Artists and NGOs worked together to design two toolboxes with practical resources for youth workers and educators. These activities provided spaces for creativity, learning, and empowerment.
Results
The project had a strong impact on participants. Many overcame stage fright, built confidence, and gained new skills in self-expression. Two young participants in Austria joined the local youth council, while one participant from Slovenia founded her own theater group with support from Italian partners. Several artistic-political initiatives were launched by participants. Street performances and an official presentation in Brussels gave visibility to their work. A refugee’s backpack used in one performance will even be exhibited at the House of European History, symbolizing the project’s cultural significance.
Impact
MyCreativity – MyPower successfully combined art and politics to empower young people across Europe. It provided them with tools to raise their voices, fostered international cooperation, and strengthened the role of creativity in youth work. The project left lasting resources, networks, and practices that continue to support NGOs, youth workers, and artists. By linking creativity with activism, it showed how young people can inspire change and build a more inclusive and democratic society.
