Ariadne

There are 69.8 million estimated international migrants in Europe today, amounting to 9.5 per cent of the population (IOM). They face challenges, often including stress, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and loss of social network. As a consequence many migrants in Europe remain segregated if not marginalized. Engaging in art has been shown to facilitate improvements on both the individual and the social level, by enhancing the individuals’ artistic and social creativity and also by creating social connections. The primary aim of our proposal is to contribute to the successful cross-cultural adaptation of immigrants residing in Europe. The methodologies we’ll develop and use in the pilot sessions will be based on intercultural pedagogy and non formal learning, and as such will be in accordance with the main principles of liberal adult education. This project works towards social cohesion because its target group consists of immigrants who have not managed to fully integrate in the host society. It reinforces active citizenship by enhancing the identification with host societies, and empowers participants. It encourages intercultural dialogue by creating connections between members of different cultural groups, and by engaging in different artistic methods. It works towards personal fulfillment through self-expression and creativity. Our target group consists of migrants who have not fully integrated yet to the new society, and are at the risk of social exclusion. Our partnership consists of organisations specialised in the development of intercultural relations and competences (Elan Interculturel, Artemisszio Foundation), art interventions with a pedagogical aim (Tan Dance), or both (UCM department of Art Applications in Integration, Momentum Arts, Osmosis).