A powerful shift is happening at the intersection of youth work, inclusion, and the arts—and it’s called Art huBs for youTh. This recently completed Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership brought together organisations from the UK, Greece, Cyprus, and Bosnia & Herzegovina to answer a pressing question: Can art be a tool to fight marginalisation and build bridges between communities? Spoiler: yes, it absolutely can.
Responding to Crisis with Creativity
The project emerged in response to the rising tensions across Europe linked to immigration, social exclusion, and the radicalisation of vulnerable youth. Against this backdrop, Art huBs for youTh set out to show how cultural and creative expression can heal divisions, spark dialogue, and foster shared values.
Beyond refugees and asylum seekers, the project widened its lens to include all marginalised youth—those struggling with mental health, homelessness, or social isolation. Why? Because the power of art to transform lives is universal.
Big Goals, Real Impact
The project had clear, ambitious objectives:
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Support young people in embracing European values through art
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Promote intercultural understanding and dialogue
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Train youth workers to address issues like xenophobia and exclusion
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Encourage active participation in society through creative expression
At the heart of the project was a belief: that culture and art are not just “extras,” but essential tools in building stronger, more connected communities.
How It Happened
From April 2021 to March 2023, the project unfolded in multiple phases across all four partner countries.
Preparation & Research
Each partner organisation formed a dedicated team and co-developed a research plan. The result? A cross-country report based on focus groups and interviews with artists and youth workers, now available on the ArtHubs website.
Creative Outputs
Three major results came from this deep collaboration:
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Training Modules for Educators
Ten modules were created covering art, photography, and social media, designed for professionals working with marginalised youth. These modules are practical, inclusive, and now freely available in English, Bosnian, and Greek. -
Virtual Art Exhibition
A powerful online gallery showcasing work by displaced youth from across Europe, enabling their stories and voices to travel across borders and spark empathy. -
Multiplier Events & Shared Learning
National events brought the project’s work to local communities, while an online meeting wrapped the experience with shared insights and evaluations.
A Project That Lasts Beyond the End Date
Even though the official end date was March 2023, the legacy of Art huBs for youTh continues. The training materials remain accessible to youth workers worldwide. The virtual exhibition lives on as a beacon of intercultural dialogue. And most importantly, the project has laid the groundwork for future collaborations where creativity meets inclusion.
In a time when communities can feel fragmented and divided, Art huBs for youTh proves that the arts don’t just reflect our world—they can help rebuild it.
