Integration, Dialogue, Expression through Art

Emerging clearly from numerous studies and experiences which investigate the relation between Art and intercultural dialogue is the way in which artistic creation can assume, or more precisely regain, a role connected to the expression of a specific lifestyle, as a means to acquiring awareness of both the exterior and the interior worlds. Beyond the diversity of the forms of artistic expression, it is possible to trace a common trend towards a form of symbolic expression of emotions, and its establishment as a means of satisfying a need for expression which is undoubtedly universal, but of particular relevance within certain contexts and with certain users. The places in which such experiences will carried out can become sites of extraordinary and intense relationships which make it possible not only to open up the horizons of discovery of others, but also to build up a system of relationships differing from those of everyday life, and to recover the identity and authenticity of human relations. Consequently Art, in all its forms and expressions, provides not only the opportunity, but also the fundamental means for breaking down the dividing walls - which are not visible in everyday life, but which are still strongly entrenched in people's minds and for this very reason harder to attack - such as racism, xenophobia, discrimination, psychological and other social problems. This is why we believe that the use of Art, in particular that of the visual arts, can represent a means of creating channels of communication between different cultures within a context of mutual respect, so as to enhance reciprocal knowledge and expression. Only through an elaboration of the intercultural dialogue, and through co-operation, will it be possible to achieve stability and security, and to permanently overcome racism and xenophobia. Our experience has taught us that the use of the languages of art can make a significant contribution towards the creation of a useful intercultural dialogue between the different ethnic groups present in the territories included in the project. Main project aims: • to develop ways of social and cultural integration through the use of non-formal languages • to increase knowledge, skills and cognitive abilities for the targets involved via the use of non-formal tools and methodologies related to the field of art Project objectives: • to promote social inclusion via the use of different Arts • to develop ways of expression of the project’s target group through the use of Arts • to involve local citizens through Art in order to create social integration between different disadvantaged areas Approaches: • to organize workshops with a 'mix' of targets with particular attention to people who have difficulties in accessing training and cultural opportunities (immigrants, women, people with a low level of education, disabled and jobless people) • to facilitate intercultural communication through the specific profile of the "learning facilitator" who can continue the work after the project-life • to facilitate the comparison and transfer of experiences accrued by partners at a European level with regard to the tools of artistic communication used as a means of integration among different cultures in a specific territory • to valorize and disseminate the results of the project through exhibitions, seminars, workshops, courses and conferences, as an example of good practice to be reproduced in other areas.