Colors of Connection: Voices Through Creativity
In this project we combined art and non-formal education to build bridges between cultures and show that every voice matters. Through music, photography, theatre, visual storytelling and digital tools, participants learned how to express themselves, collaborate and strengthen inclusive attitudes.
About the project
“Colors of Connection: Voices Through Creativity” was an international youth exchange where young people from four countries worked creatively in mixed teams. Art became a shared language—helping participants connect beyond cultural and language barriers.
Each day focused on a different artistic pathway: music and video, ethical use of AI, photography and storytelling, body language, and Kamishibai theatre. The exchange ended with a presentation of participants’ final works and a group reflection.
Project goals
- Strengthen social inclusion by creating a safe space for dialogue and belonging.
- Develop intercultural skills through teamwork in international groups.
- Grow creativity as a tool for self-expression and communicating values.
- Boost digital awareness, including ethical and responsible use of AI in art.
- Support youth participation in social and democratic life through co-creation and shared decisions.
What happened during the exchange?
Day 1: Welcome, integration & Polish cultural evening
We started by introducing the project goals and our organisation, followed by project documentation, attendance list and green travel declarations. Participants also learned the practical rules of the venue and reimbursement procedures.
Together we decided to create a Friends & Gossip Box—a friendly space for supportive notes, messages and team spirit. We also held a mug exchange which brought lots of enthusiasm and smiles.
After lunch we played integration games (intro circle with gestures, Dixit and bingo). Before dinner each national group presented what art looks like in their country and what it means to young people. We ended with a Polish cultural evening.
Day 2: Ethical AI in art, music creation & Italian evening
We opened with an energiser led by the Italian group, then ran workshops on “How to use AI ethically in creating art?”. Participants discussed authorship, transparency and responsibility when using AI tools.
Later, in mixed teams, participants recorded a song and created a music video on: “Diversity as a value, not an obstacle”—showing how differences in culture, beliefs, temperament and style can become a team’s strength. We watched all videos together, voted for the best one and celebrated the winners. The day ended with an Italian integration evening.
Day 3: Photography & storytelling, kintsugi workshop & Greek evening
We reflected on the previous day, then joined an energiser prepared by the Greek group focused on connection and non-verbal interaction. After that we explored the power of photography.
During a walk, participants worked in colour teams and created photo-based stories. After presenting the results we voted for the best story. Next came a kintsugi workshop: participants created artworks about barriers between people and symbolically transformed “cracks” into a stronger, more connected whole. We closed the day with a Greek cultural evening.
Day 4: Body language & Kamishibai theatre & Romanian evening
After the energiser “Hi, ha, ho!”, we explored non-verbal communication—how body language shapes understanding and how emotions can be expressed through movement. Participants worked with emotion cards and short scenes performed without words.
In the second workshop participants discovered Kamishibai (paper theatre). In colour groups they created short performances related to the exchange theme. We ended the day with a Romanian cultural evening.
Day 5: Silesian Museum, final works & evaluation
The first part of the day was a visit to the Silesian Museum in Katowice, where participants finalised their reports. After returning, we held a project evaluation and a “secret friend” activity. In the evening we watched the final works together and shared reflections on the whole creative process.
What did participants learn?
Social & intercultural skills
- teamwork in international groups and shared decision-making,
- building trust and connection through non-formal activities,
- better communication across differences and perspectives.
Creative & artistic skills
- songwriting and simple video production in teams,
- photo storytelling (narrative through images and sequencing),
- symbolic work with kintsugi: turning “breaks” into meaning and strength.
Digital awareness & ethics
- responsible, ethical use of AI in creative processes,
- critical thinking about digital content and its impact,
- creating materials ready for online publication.
Youth voice & civic attitudes
- talking about inclusion, diversity and democratic values,
- confidence in presenting opinions in a supportive environment,
- seeking bridges instead of barriers.
Project results
Selected outputs created by participants: presentations, photo-stories/reports, kintsugi works and videos.
Presentations
Photo-stories & reports
Kintsugi artworks
Videos (YouTube)
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Gallery
Selected photos from workshops, the creative process and intercultural evenings.
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.