Project Reference: 2023-1-SE02-KA152-YOU-000131910 Status: Completed | Duration: Sep 2023 – Aug 2025 | EU Grant: 44,516 EUR Programme: Erasmus+ | Action Type: Mobility of Young People Countries Involved: Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Romania Background The project Culture for Health was created to give young people from different European countries the chance to connect through culture and creativity. It was coordinated by Örnsköldsvik Municipality in northern Sweden — a region far from major European cities, where international interaction is rare. The project aimed to give young people from this area, as well as from partner countries, the opportunity to gain intercultural experience and learn more about each other’s cultures.
Objectives The main goal of the project was to help young people develop confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills through art. Meeting peers from other European countries encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones in a safe environment. The project also focused on improving their English language skills and showing the real value of learning foreign languages through practical use. By doing so, it supported their personal growth and intercultural understanding.
Implementation The exchange took place in Örnsköldsvik, where participants from five partner countries joined various artistic and educational activities. Using art as a common language, the program combined workshops in dance, theater, music, and visual arts. Each activity helped participants express themselves creatively, collaborate with others, and reflect on cultural diversity. Study visits, local tours, and intercultural evenings complemented the workshops and strengthened mutual learning.
Key Activities During the exchange, young participants took part in creative workshops and group projects that ended with a public performance and art exhibition. These events allowed them to showcase their work to the local community and experience the joy of creating together. Intercultural evenings were another key element — each national group prepared a presentation of their traditions, culture, and cuisine, helping everyone discover both the differences and similarities among European cultures.
Results Through this project, participants improved their artistic and communication skills while building self-confidence. Working together on performances and exhibitions gave them a sense of teamwork and achievement. They learned to value collaboration, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity. The experience also motivated them to engage more actively in their local communities and to continue exploring art as a tool for personal and social development.
Impact Culture for Health had a strong and lasting impact on both individuals and partner organizations. It created an atmosphere of openness and inclusion where participants learned to appreciate cultural diversity and see it as a strength. The project also promoted the importance of art for mental and emotional well-being, showing how creativity can connect people beyond language barriers. For many young people, this experience was not only educational but truly transformative.
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