Project Reference:
Status: Completed
Duration: May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2024
EU Grant: 206,958.06 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education
Countries Involved: Austria, Spain, Czech Republic, Poland
Background
The CisU – Culture is YOU project was created to respond to the growing need for cultural education among adults facing various challenges. Many people with low qualifications, unemployment, language barriers, or difficult economic situations often feel disconnected from culture. They may see it as distant, elitist, or irrelevant to their everyday lives. At the same time, Europe is going through social changes influenced by migration, digitalisation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges highlight the importance of strengthening social cohesion and helping people feel part of a shared European identity.
The project aimed to close the gap between adult learners and cultural life by showing that culture is accessible, meaningful, and something everyone can shape. It focused on helping adults understand culture as a tool for social participation, self-confidence, and connection with others.
Objectives
The main goal of CisU was to make European culture more accessible for adults with fewer opportunities. The project wanted to help them feel included, understand cultural diversity, and take part in cultural activities. By increasing cultural knowledge, participants could improve their integration into society and gain more confidence in personal and professional life.
More specific objectives included helping learners actively experience culture, giving adult educators practical tools for cultural education, raising awareness about the value of cultural participation, promoting inclusion, and reducing social barriers. The project also aimed to support cultural institutions in reaching new audiences.
Implementation
The project was implemented through close cooperation between educators, learners, and partner organisations. The team first developed a didactic concept and curriculum based on modern teaching approaches. To ensure the materials met real needs, educators and learners were interviewed in each partner country.
During the next phases, partners created learning materials, videos, and a cultural board game. These tools were tested by adult learners and their trainers to improve usability and relevance. The project also created a workshop concept and a guide for educators, offering practical instructions for using the new materials in both online and offline settings. An international exchange event allowed educators to share their experiences and create new professional connections.
Key Activities
Key activities included interviews with adult learners and educators, development of a structured curriculum, creation of interactive learning resources, and pilot testing across partner organisations. The project also designed a haptic board game to help learners discover European culture in a fun and engaging way. Trainers tested the tools in their courses and provided valuable feedback to improve the results.
In addition, each partner organised a multiplier event to share the project outcomes with local communities, cultural institutions, educational centres, and other stakeholders.
Results
CisU developed four main project outputs: a didactic concept and curriculum, learning materials and videos, an inclusive board game, and a complete workshop concept with a trainers’ guide. All materials were created to be practical, accessible, and easy to use for both learners and educators. They help introduce cultural themes, encourage creativity, and motivate adult learners to participate in cultural life.
These resources are available as open-source tools for at least five years after project completion, ensuring long-term access for learners, trainers, and organisations across Europe.
Impact
The project had a strong impact on learners, educators, and communities. Adult learners gained new cultural knowledge, developed confidence, and felt more connected to European culture. Many became more motivated to join other learning opportunities and social activities. Educators received practical tools that can support cultural education in their institutions.
On a wider level, the project helped promote inclusion, reduce cultural barriers, and strengthen the idea of a shared European identity. By showing that “Culture is YOU,” the project encouraged more people to participate in shaping cultural life in Europe.
