What happens when you combine the creativity of Design Thinking with the power of cultural expression? You get something extraordinary—a new approach to integration that puts young migrants at the heart of cultural programming.
More Than Just Participation
Our Erasmus+ project isn’t about simply inviting young migrants to existing cultural events. Instead, we’re fundamentally reimagining how cultural institutions connect with diverse communities. Through the Design Thinking methodology, we’re empowering youth workers to create programs that don’t just accommodate different cultures—they celebrate and integrate them.
Think of it this way: instead of asking “How can we get more young migrants to attend our programs?” we’re asking “How can young migrants help us create programs that truly serve everyone?”
Culture as a Bridge
Culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s one of our most powerful tools for building understanding and belonging. When young migrants have a genuine voice in shaping cultural programs, something remarkable happens. They don’t just participate; they become cultural ambassadors, sharing their heritage while embracing new experiences.
This approach recognizes a fundamental truth: integration isn’t about erasing differences. It’s about creating spaces where different cultural backgrounds can coexist, interact, and enrich each other. When we empower young migrants to actively participate in and shape cultural programs, we create pathways for meaningful integration that preserves and celebrates cultural diversity.
Three Pilot Programs, Countless Possibilities
By the end of our project, three cultural institutions across Poland, Greece, and Romania will be running pilot programs designed through this collaborative approach. But the real impact goes far beyond these initial programs.
Each pilot represents a new model for how cultural institutions can serve their entire communities. These programs will demonstrate that when we bring different social groups together in the creative process, we don’t just create better programming—we foster communities that harmoniously connect different groups into a cohesive whole.
The Ripple Effect
The beauty of this approach is its potential for replication. Youth workers trained in Design Thinking methodology don’t just create one program—they develop skills they can apply again and again. Cultural institutions don’t just host one inclusive event—they learn new ways of engaging with their communities.
As we continue this journey, we’re not just building individual programs. We’re building a movement toward more inclusive, responsive, and dynamic cultural spaces that reflect the rich diversity of European communities.
Stay connected with our progress and discover how culture can be a powerful force for integration and community building.