Cultural Empowerment Through Arts (CETA)

Project Overview:
This project aims to create a mutual exchange of cultural and artistic skills between disadvantaged adults in Turkey and Europe. Participants will travel to each other’s countries, engage in workshops on traditional arts (marbling *ebru*, sculpture, weaving, etc.), and foster intercultural understanding. The project will empower adults with disabilities, poverty, and discrimination by teaching them valuable artistic and entrepreneurial skills.
Key Objectives:
1. Skill Development: Empower disadvantaged adults through traditional artistic skills, fostering personal growth and confidence.
2. Mutual Mobility and Exchange: Create opportunities for both Turkish and European participants to travel, engage in hands-on learning, and build cross-cultural relationships.
3. Social Inclusion: Promote the social integration of disadvantaged adults through artistic expression and intercultural dialogue.
4. Economic Opportunities: Provide skills for income generation through traditional crafts, and teach participants how to market their work.
Activities and Mobility Elements:
1. Kick-off Workshops in Turkey (Initial Mobility):
- Turkish participants and European partners (e.g., from Italy, Spain, or Poland) meet in Turkey for the first phase of the project.
- Workshops on *ebru*, sculpture, weaving, and handicrafts will be taught, and participants will share their cultural heritage.
- Cultural exchange activities such as group discussions, visits to cultural sites, and exhibitions will help strengthen ties.

2. Mobility to European Countries (Second Phase of Mobility):
- Turkish participants travel to European partner countries for similar workshops and cultural exchange.
- In Europe, participants will engage in European traditional art forms, learn new techniques, and participate in social inclusion activities.
- Art Exhibitions will be organized in both locations (Turkey and the partner countries) to showcase the works created by disadvantaged adults from both sides.

3. Exchange of Best Practices & Joint Exhibitions:
- Organize virtual and in-person exhibitions to display the artworks created by participants during mobility exchanges.
- Roundtable discussions for sharing experiences and best practices, focusing on how art can be used for social inclusion and empowerment of disadvantaged adults.

4. Marketable Skills Development:
- Throughout the mobility phases, participants will also receive entrepreneurial training on how to sell their crafts (online platforms, local fairs, etc.), enhancing the potential for economic self-sufficiency.
Target Group:
1. Disadvantaged Adults in Turkey (including those with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, or marginalized groups).
2. Disadvantaged Adults in European partner countries who are also affected by discrimination or social exclusion.
Project Mobility Details:
1. Mobility to Turkey:
- European participants will come to Turkey for a week or two (depending on the timeline). They will participate in workshops, engage in local culture, and develop their skills in traditional Turkish arts.

2. Mobility to Europe:
- Turkish participants will then visit their European counterparts for similar activities in the European country. This allows for a mutual learning experience, broadening cultural understanding.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased social inclusion for disadvantaged adults through cross-border mobility and creative expression.
2. Strengthened skills in traditional crafts for economic opportunities (e.g., craft sales, local exhibitions).
3. A deeper appreciation for cultural diversity through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
4. The creation of an ongoing network of artists and craftspeople from diverse cultural backgrounds.