Immersion in creativity can bring us closer to our inner selves by letting us observe them from the outside and cultivate greater self-awareness. Art has the power to open our minds, connect across cultural differences, and understand shared values (07-05-2021. “Art and empathy: Four thought leaders explain the connection.”). Art can be a powerful way for us to gain a better understanding of human emotions and stories. It gives us a unique lens into artists’ inner worlds. It trains our brains to slow down and think more rationally rather than emotionally. It restores our capacity to connect with others.
Therefore, we propose this project to help youth exchange cultures, combat social exclusion and discrimination, cultivate understanding, empathy, and respect for Europe's cultural diversity, and strengthen feelings of belonging and community.
Over 14 days in France, we aim to empower youth to express themselves creatively, build self-esteem, and support them in facing cultural diversity and inequality while finding belonging in themselves and in a group.
Activities
Our program offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience that combines non-formal education, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Participants will explore creativity, self-expression, and collaboration through interactive methods, including group discussions, role-playing games, reflection circles, and innovative techniques like Open Space Technology and World Café.
Key Components:
Trainer-Guided Workshops
Focused on art and creative expression, these workshops inspire participants to explore themes like emotional awareness, identity, and storytelling. Activities include body movement, mask-making, and using collage to understand cultural influences.
Community Workshops
Participants live in the eco-friendly Catfarm Community, experiencing communal living while learning about consent, collaborative decision-making, greener practices, and community work such as cooking and gardening.
Participant-Led Workshops
Participants share their cultural heritage and personal skills through activities like traditional dances, storytelling, and crafting. These sessions foster mutual learning and empower individuals to contribute unique gifts.
Reflection Sessions
Daily reflection activities—such as journaling, sharing circles, and drawing—help participants process their experiences and anchor their learning on mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Days Out
Participants engage with the local community and environment through activities like beach cleanups, tree planting, and cultural exchanges with local organizations. These outings promote meaningful connections and positive environmental impact.
Goals:
The program aims to foster self-expression, creativity, and cultural understanding, empowering participants to build belonging, mutual care, and collaboration while leaving a lasting impact on the local community and environment.
Impact
Local Level (Poussan):
The project is rooted in Poussan, a small town in southern France, where Catfarm Community is already an active part of the social and cultural landscape. While Poussan may not face the most severe impacts of climate change or economic instability, the project recognizes the importance of addressing these global challenges through local action. By engaging directly with the town’s residents—through open workshops, community meals, intercultural evenings, and collaborative nature-based activities—we aim to create meaningful encounters between local people and international participants.
A key priority is involving local youth, many of whom have limited access to international mobility or opportunities for intercultural exchange. By opening parts of the program to Poussan’s young people (e.g., hands-on permaculture workshops, collaborative art projects, and language exchanges), the project gives them access to new learning experiences right on their doorstep. Local youth will benefit from exposure to different cultures and perspectives, developing their intercultural competence, communication skills, and environmental awareness. The project also offers them role models in sustainability and active citizenship, encouraging them to see themselves as capable of shaping their own futures and communities. This empowerment will create a lasting impact in Poussan, as local youth carry forward new skills, values, and connections into their schools, families, and neighborhoods.
Regional Level (Herault, Southern France):
The Herault region will benefit from the project through “regional days,” where participants will engage with the local population on topics such as traditional practices, environmental challenges, and regional heritage. By collaborating with local associations, cultural centers, and ecological initiatives, the project fosters cross-generational and cross-cultural dialogue that highlights the richness of the region’s traditions while promoting innovative approaches to sustainability. These regional exchanges will also raise the visibility of Herault as a place of learning and resilience, inspiring pride in the region’s identity while deepening its connections to broader European values.
National Level (France):
Nationally, the project supports France’s goals of promoting sustainability, intercultural dialogue, and youth empowerment by showcasing how grassroots initiatives can bridge environmental, cultural, and social priorities. By involving local and regional actors in national networks and sharing exchange outcomes through digital platforms, artistic outputs, and partnerships, the project ensures that lessons from Poussan and Herault can inform wider conversations in France. In particular, the project addresses youth engagement and social inclusion by giving young people a voice and connecting them with cultural and ecological actors across the country.
European Level:
At the European scale, the project creates a ripple effect by linking local action in Poussan to broader European priorities. Participants from diverse countries will come together to exchange ideas, cultures, and practices, strengthening their sense of European identity while working toward shared goals of sustainability and active citizenship. The project contributes to Erasmus+ objectives by promoting non-formal learning, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation in democratic and
environmental initiatives. Activities such as collaborative workshops, nature-based regeneration, and community engagement align with EU climate priorities and the European Green Deal, preparing participants to act as ambassadors for change in their own localities.
Dates of the whole project: 24-09-2026 to 23-11-2027
Dates of on-site events: To be confirmed
Location: Catfarm Community - France
Coordinator: Catfarm Education (France)
Partners: Hopeland (Greece), Stichting Adventures of the Valparaiso (Netherlands), Tu i Terra (Poland), Asociación por la Resiliencia rural del Alto Mijares (Spain)
2026-1-FR02-KA152-YOU-000393863