How can schools, artists, and cultural organisations work together to foster democratic values and active citizenship among young people in Europe? In the face of social polarisation and democratic challenges, this question has become increasingly important for educators, cultural practitioners, and policymakers alike.
Visionary Analytics, in partnership with KEA European Affairs, and commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), is leading to a comprehensive study and peer learning initiative that aims to explore and promote effective models of school-culture collaboration. The project focuses on how participatory artistic and cultural experiences can be designed and implemented to enhance young people’s democratic attitudes and their readiness to engage in civic life.
The key project activities include:
- Extensive review of existing knowledge and evidence on school-culture collaborations for citizenships education and youth civic engagement across Europe;
- Development of the online compendium showcasing selected examples of best practice;
- Distilling the key lessons that inform both policy and practice;
- Online training sessions and on-site peer-learning visits to support professional development and mutual learning;
- Designing a practical resource aimed at policymakers and practitioners;
- High-level conference to present and discuss the results;
- Dissemination of the study’s findings to foster ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.
A mixed-method approach will be applied, combining desk research, best practice mapping, interviews, peer-learning activities, and stakeholder consultations. The project’s outcomes will provide valuable guidance for educators, cultural actors, and decision-makers seeking to build meaningful and sustainable partnerships that strengthen civic engagement and democratic participation among Europe’s youth.
In this project we are supported by prominent experts and hands-on practitioners in the field: Dr. Pat THOMSON, Dr. Birgit ERIKSSON, Dr. Tomaž DEŽELAN, Fondazione Santagata, HIVA – Research Institute for Work and Study, Association of Finnish Children’s Cultural Centres.
The project is expected to be finished by July 2027.
