Group Mobilities of Adults under the Erasmus+ Programme: Fostering Creativity, Intercultural Dialogue and Sustainable Practices

The Erasmus+ programme has long been one of the key tools in our organisation for promoting education, training, and internationalisation activities across Europe. Group mobilities for adult participants within the programme offer a valuable opportunity to discover different cultures, develop new skills, and broaden horizons. One example of a successful group mobility was the training titled “Creative Skills and Intercultural Dialogue”, carried out in collaboration with our partner organisation, Galerija Vivoda from Zagreb. The aim of the programme was to improve the creative skills of adult participants, promote intercultural dialogue, and raise awareness about the importance of art in conveying messages of peace and connection.

One of the main goals of our training in Zagreb was to encourage active participation of adults in non-formal educational activities. The focus was on developing creative skills and intercultural dialogue, particularly through the themes of peace, tolerance, and connection. Our participants, mostly immigrants and descendants of immigrants from various ethnic communities, explored different design techniques and artistic methods, thereby strengthening their creative, inclusive, and digital competencies. Additionally, the programme offered insight into the local cultural heritage and taught how to integrate sustainable and digital practices in art and culture.

The first part of the programme was dedicated to exploring various visual art techniques and their impact on society. Participants learned the basics of painting and drawing and were introduced to the technique of linocut and graphic printing. They focused on the theme of peace. Within this framework, they created artworks that expressed hope, collaboration, and respect for different cultures. Among the participants were individuals from Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin, Ukrainian, Russian, and other ethnic communities.

A significant part of the programme also included the development of critical thinking and discussions on the role of art in promoting social change. Later, the participants explored the cultural heritage of Zagreb through guided visits to important cultural and historical landmarks. They focused on artistic expressions that represent the values of peace and tolerance. Additionally, they became familiar with ecological art methods, creating sustainable artworks that highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility.

At one of the preparatory meetings, and upon the suggestion of one of the participants, we planned a visit to the Zagreb FabLab, a space for creative innovation. Through presentations on 3D printing and basic robotics, we learned how creativity can be combined with digitally-oriented skills.

The third part of the programme was dedicated to reflection and a final exhibition of the artworks created throughout the programme. This phase allowed for personal reflection and assessment of the learning process, and participants had the opportunity to share their works and discuss how art can influence society at large. It was also a moment to review what had been learned and to shape final thoughts on the overall experience.

The training enabled participants to develop a range of skills and competencies. Through the programme, participants with various backgrounds demonstrated their ability for creative expression and produced their own works of art. In the spirit of sustainability, they printed their messages on old T-shirts brought from home. On them, they reimagined and expressed values of peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue. They also developed skills in various artistic techniques, which they can now apply in future creative work. Moreover, they gained knowledge about sustainable creation and the use of eco-friendly materials, which became part of their art projects.

Such group mobilities represent a unique opportunity for the personal development of adult participants. The programme not only encourages creativity and artistic expression but also significantly contributes to intercultural understanding and awareness of sustainable and digital practices. By actively engaging adults in diverse local communities, we enable them to develop their creative and social skills, thus enhancing the cultural and artistic value of these communities and strengthening their collective social capital.

This experience was particularly important for us because the group was relatively large by our standards, and it consisted mostly of participants with fewer opportunities. We were able to include people from various ethnic backgrounds, of different ages, and with different levels of artistic experience. We showed that we can design a work programme that is adaptable, enjoyable, inclusive, and, above all, creative!