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

Participants of Burja’s educational activities took part in past group mobilities of the Erasmus+ programme in Osijek. The work programme, titled “A Creative Journey Through the Cultural Heritage of Slavonia: A Fusion of Art, Culture, and Nature”, combined art, culture, nature, and sustainable practices. A special emphasis was placed on connecting participants from different countries—Slovenia and Slavonia in this case—and learning about the cultural heritage of Slavonia and Baranja. The goal of the mobility was to encourage active participation of adults in cultural and artistic activities and to develop their skills and knowledge.

The programme, created in cooperation with the host organization, the Regional Competence Centre Osijek, and training leader Mag. Gabrijela Baraban and project coordinator Martina Leko, allowed participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural characteristics and traditions of Slavonia, with a focus on its historical and artistic heritage. Special attention was also given to sustainability and incorporating ecological principles into cultural activities, enriching the programme with green competencies. Through various workshops and field visits, the participants acquired a wide range of new knowledge.

As an introduction, the participants, together with the guide and historian Monika Gusić, visited some of the architectural and historical landmarks of the city, such as Osijek’s Art Nouveau street, the Osijek Fortress (Tvrđa), and the city market. These visits were designed using a professional interpretive methodology, enabling the participants to learn how to interpret these cultural features and apply that knowledge in their own environments. A key part of the programme were hands-on workshops, where participants tried their skills in traditional handicraft techniques such as artistic pattern painting (moleraj) and gold embroidery (zlatovez), both still an important part of the region’s cultural identity. These workshops encouraged precision, creativity, and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Another significant aspect of the programme were culinary workshops, focusing on traditional Slavonian dishes and their modern interpretations. Participants learned how to prepare traditional Slavonian pastries and chocolate gastronomic souvenirs, blending local culinary traditions with contemporary approaches and market needs. This part of the programme was not only an opportunity to gain new culinary skills, but also to understand the importance of preserving gastronomic heritage as a part of the region’s cultural richness. As part of this activity, our participants also met members of the association Šokačka grana, who organized a gastronomic exhibition featuring authentic Slavonian dishes and gold-embroidered items. This provided an opportunity for networking and friendship between our participants and local women with similar interests.

In addition to cultural heritage, green and digital skills were also integrated into the programme. Visits to the Kopački Rit ecological trail and the Tikveš Education Centre introduced participants to the ways natural and cultural heritage intersect through sustainable approaches. Through the Kopački Rit and the Tikveš Interpretive Centre—both of which utilize innovative digital tools—participants learned about best practices in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This built a bridge between cultural and natural heritage and opened up new horizons for a new generation working in heritage preservation and reinterpretation.

Besides technical and artistic skills, participants developed important social and intercultural competencies during the mobility. The programme provided opportunities for direct exchange of experiences and ideas between Slovenian participants and local experts, artists, artisans, and other attendees. This created a space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections, which will have a lasting impact on spreading good practices and ideas in both communities.

In addition to practical skills, participants also gained knowledge in cultural heritage interpretation, which they will transfer to their local communities and use to promote cultural inclusion and social cohesion. Participation in the project strengthened their sense of cultural identity and respect for diversity, which will have a lasting impact on involving different social groups in cultural life.

The group mobility within the Erasmus+ programme was not only an opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and its transmission through modern artistic and educational approaches. On a broader level, these activities significantly contribute to greater inclusion and encourage active participation of adults in lifelong learning and cultural life, which is essential for social cohesion and local community development in the long term.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hosts for all the beautiful and shared moments.