Let the Art tell the Truth

The youth exchange “Let the Art Tell the Truth” brought together 30 young participants from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, and the Republic of Moldova for a seven-day intercultural experience focused on creativity, inclusion, and self-expression through art. The project created a space where participants could explore how theatre, music, dance, and visual arts act as powerful tools to express identity, challenge stereotypes, and connect people across cultures and generations.

Through non-formal learning, artistic labs, and collective creation, the exchange invited participants to use art as a universal language — one that transcends words and fosters empathy, dialogue, and unity in diversity. Most participants came from rural or small urban areas, where opportunities for artistic and international engagement are often limited. By participating in this project, they discovered new forms of creative expression, developed emotional intelligence, and strengthened their sense of belonging within a supportive European community.

Objectives of the project

• Encouraging artistic self-expression: Empower participants to explore and express their personal and cultural identities through theatre, music, and visual storytelling.

• Promoting inclusion and dialogue: Strengthen intercultural understanding and empathy by collaborating creatively across different backgrounds and perspectives.

• Building confidence and emotional intelligence: Use art and non-formal learning to enhance communication, teamwork, and reflection skills.

• Fostering creativity for social change: Equip participants with practical tools to use art as a driver of inclusion and social awareness within their local communities.

The program unfolded through a rich and varied timetable that blended creative workshops, reflective sessions, and intercultural experiences. The first days were dedicated to team-building, icebreakers, and creating a social contract that emphasized respect, trust, and inclusion. Participants explored expectations and fears through the Communication Tree and began reflecting on their learning journey using the Youthpass framework, understanding how the eight key competences connect to personal growth.

As the week progressed, the young artists delved into the heart of the exchange — discovering how art can tell the truth. They examined how different art forms communicate emotions and ideas during the How Does Art Speak? workshop, and shared their insights through group presentations and discussions. The following days offered a blend of digital creativity and artistic exploration, where participants created digital self-portraits and vision boards, learning to express their identity and aspirations through visual storytelling.

The exchange also emphasized music and words as creative languages. During the Found Sound Workshop, participants composed rhythms using everyday objects, realizing that music can emerge from the simplest materials when guided by imagination and teamwork. The Poetry Slam Workshop inspired participants to write and perform their own pieces, using spoken word to share truths about their emotions, identities, and social experiences. These sessions not only developed creativity but also built self-confidence, empathy, and public speaking skills.

In the later part of the activity, participants worked in groups to design applied arts projects and theatrical performances, transforming ideas into tangible artistic creations. The Theater Day — titled Let’s Tell Our Truth Through Theater! — became a highlight of the exchange, where participants used improvisation, body language, and storytelling to convey authentic emotions and social messages. Their final performances celebrated cooperation, vulnerability, and the power of collective expression.

Every evening, participants came together in reflection circles to evaluate their learning, while intercultural nights offered opportunities to share food, traditions, and dances from their home countries — strengthening European solidarity and mutual appreciation. On the final day, participants completed their Youthpass certificates, reflected on their journey, and celebrated friendships during a heartfelt Farewell Party and Secret Friend Reveal.

The project’s impact was evident in the participants’ growth: they left with enhanced creativity, communication skills, and confidence in using art as a language for inclusion and change. Their collective artworks and performances captured messages of unity, diversity, and truth — embodying the spirit of Let the Art Tell the Truth. Each group will now organize local dissemination events to share their artistic creations and experiences, continuing to inspire their communities with the belief that art can build bridges and spark transformation.

Photo Gallery

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7