Topic / Theme

Using artistic expression as a tool to promote inclusion, participation, emotional wellbeing and intercultural understanding in educational settings. The course explores visual arts, movement, music and theatre as non-verbal and experiential approaches to support diverse learners and create a sense of belonging.

Sending partners

Educational organisations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: kindergartens, schools, VET providers, adult education centres, training organisations, NGOs, resource centres and other institutions active in the education and adult learning field, established in Erasmus+ programme countries.

Participants

20–25 adults involved in education.

Course fee

According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per participant per training day, including course preparation, training delivery, training materials, organisational and administrative costs, and 24-hour emergency support during the mobility.

Languages used

Working language: English.
Training materials are provided in English. Upon request, support or materials may be available in Spanish or French, depending on the group composition.

Profile of the participants

The course is designed for teachers, school staff and adult trainers working in the sending organisation who are interested in using creative and artistic methods to support inclusion and learner engagement.

Participants:

• Work with learners of different ages, abilities or cultural backgrounds
• May have previous experience or be beginners in art-based educational approaches
• Are interested in improving participation, emotional expression and group cohesion
• Are willing to actively engage in experiential and creative activities
• Are open to intercultural learning and exchange of practices
• Are motivated to implement art-based inclusion strategies and to participate in preparatory and follow-up activities
• Aim to strengthen the European dimension of their institution

Objectives

• Explore how artistic expression can support inclusion and a sense of belonging
• Develop practical art-based activities that encourage participation and self-expression
• Increase awareness of identity, diversity, stereotypes and bias
• Strengthen social, emotional and intercultural competences through creative methods
• Improve communication using non-verbal and experiential approaches
• Design strategies to integrate arts into daily teaching and institutional practices

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Apply visual arts, movement, music and drama techniques to support inclusive learning
• Create safe and supportive environments that encourage expression and participation
• Use artistic activities to address diversity, identity and intercultural dialogue
• Facilitate group processes that build empathy, cooperation and mutual respect
• Adapt creative methods for different ages, abilities and learning contexts
• Design and implement an art-based inclusion activity or project in their institution
• Reflect on the impact of creative approaches on wellbeing, engagement and belonging
• Plan follow-up actions to ensure sustainability and institutional integration

Day	Sample Sessions & Activities
Day 1	– Participant Introductions & “Cultural Self-Portrait” (drawing or collage) – Intercultural icebreakers exploring cultural symbols – Discussion: What is inclusion? What role can art play? – Mapping expectations & needs – Group norms work: creating a safe, creative space
Day 2	– Exploring Stereotypes & Bias through mask-making or visual metaphor – Gallery Walk: participants bring images or objects representing identity – Dialogue circles: exploring “belonging” and “otherness” – Visual arts workshop: inclusive drawing / collage techniques
Day 3	– Movement & body language session: expressive warm-ups, embodied stories – Music & rhythm workshop: creating inclusive ensembles – Soundscapes: participants produce ambient sound pieces reflecting diversity – Reflection on how nonverbal arts open communication
Day 4	– Drama & storytelling: creating narratives of inclusion/exclusion – Role-play exercises: transforming conflict or marginalization through theatrical techniques – Forum theatre: participants enact real school inclusion challenges – Co-creation of short scenes / performances
Day 5	– Final presentations of art-based inclusion projects – Peer feedback, refinement, and planning next steps – Strategies for sustainability: embedding arts in institutional culture – Reflection: personal transformation, professional commitments – Certification ceremony & symbolic closing (collective artwork, pledge wall)