From 12 to 20 April 2026, a group of young people took part in the youth exchange “Opening Minds Through Art”, held in Moraira, Spain, within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. The project brought together participants from Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, and Latvia, creating an international space for meeting, dialogue, and personal growth.
The initiative aimed to strengthen young people’s self-awareness and self-confidence through art, used as a tool for personal expression and connection with others. During the exchange, participants took part in creative workshops focused on painting, music, theatre, and dance, experimenting with different artistic languages to express emotions, ideas, and personal experiences.
The activities took place in an open and inclusive environment, encouraging collaboration among the national groups and promoting values such as respect, active listening, and sharing. Art proved to be a powerful means of overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, strengthening both individual identity and the sense of community.
Below are some testimonials from participants and group leaders:
Maria, Group Leader:
“First of all, it was an incredibly educational experience for me as a group leader because I had never worked with young people of that age before. I learned so much from the other leaders as well, including new games, activities, and workshops. It was an experience that helped me grow a lot on a personal level. I also had the chance to improve my English again (which I had actually neglected for quite some time, haha), meet new people, and share truly wonderful moments. I also rediscovered my passion for art, since the whole experience was based on it. I came back home with a smile and a sense of light-heartedness because, in the end, experiences like these are always good for the heart 💛.”
Katiuscia, Group Leader:
“It was my first experience as a group leader and, overall, I believe it was quite positive. This multicultural environment represented an important opportunity for exchange and growth, allowing me to come into contact with new realities, educational approaches, and methods of integration. Throughout the project, I actively participated in the proposed activities, contributing to group management and the creation of an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere. I had the opportunity to improve my language skills by using both English and Spanish on a daily basis, while also developing organisational, problem-solving, and intercultural mediation skills. This experience allowed me to challenge myself in a position of responsibility and gain a deeper understanding of group dynamics in international settings. It was a significant learning opportunity that undoubtedly enriched both my personal and professional journey. I hope to participate in similar projects again in the future.”
Edoardo:
“I really enjoyed this experience and found it very interesting. We took part in many art-based activities, and it helped me improve my English a lot. I would be very happy to have a similar experience again.”
Francesco:
“It was a very enjoyable experience. I was happy to meet new people and learn new things about different cultures, and I hope to take part in a similar experience in the future.”
Gabriele:
“I would gladly repeat the experience in Spain because it helped me improve my language skills, make new friends, and discover new cultures and traditions, also through activities such as local dances and intercultural evenings.”
Giorgia:
“This experience taught me to be more sociable and made me realise how important it is to know English.”
Maria:
“I really enjoyed the trip to Spain because I visited new places, met new people, and it helped me become more independent. It is an experience I would definitely like to repeat.”
Projects such as “Opening Minds Through Art” demonstrate how creativity can become a practical tool for personal growth, inclusion, and active participation. Through art, young people learn to express themselves freely, appreciate diversity, and build meaningful relationships within a European context.
Investing in young people means providing them with spaces where they can share their stories, experiment, and become active protagonists in their own journey of growth and development.
