Art-Mind

Context and Background The "ART-MIND: The Mindful Canvas" training course addresses the pressing needs of youth workers and the young people they serve in the face of a growing youth mental health crisis. Today, young people face a significant increase in anxiety, stress, and isolation. Traditional, talk-based youth work methods often have limitations when it comes to facilitating deep emotional expression. This project responds directly to the lack of practical, creative tools available to youth workers by introducing art as a medium for healing and communication. The 9-day training will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from October 18 to 26, 2026.

 

Project Objectives By blending non-formal education with creative expression, the project aims to:

• Equip youth workers with a new toolkit of art-based, non-verbal methods.
• Develop skills in creating psychologically safe spaces using a trauma-informed approach.
• Enhance competence in facilitating sensitive emotional processes.
• Promote self-care and resilience as professional practices to prevent youth worker burnout.
• Enable youth workers to take on more active roles in supporting the well-being of the most vulnerable youth.

Provide equal opportunities for expression for young people who face communication barriers or social exclusion due to anxiety.

Target Audience This training is explicitly designed for professionals and volunteers active in the field of non-formal learning and youth work. We are looking for 32 participants (youth workers and young people) from Finland, Türkiye, Romania, Poland, and Italy.

Ideal applicants are:

• Youth workers (18+ years old) who are experienced in the field, willing to discover art-based methods, and ready to actively participate.
• Committed to the project's entire lifecycle, which includes sharing our handbook, organizing local follow-up activities, and supporting/attending the online webinar after the mobility.
• We strongly encourage the inclusion of participants with fewer opportunities (arising from economic, social, or geographical issues) to ensure a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Methodology and Commitment The training is deeply rooted in non-formal education principles. Participants will engage in hands-on, experiential learning through art, focusing on creating safe spaces and processing emotions without relying solely on verbal communication.​​​​​​​