Eco-Art in Youth Work: Bridging Science and Creativity for Environmental Education (ECO-ART)

CONTEXT
Recent studies indicate that traditional environmental education methods often face challenges in fully engaging young people. Despite the increasing urgency of climate change and other environmental issues, many youth report feeling disconnected from these topics or need more clarification about how to contribute meaningfully. Concurrently, there has been an observed increase in youth interest in creative expression and art. Hence, this project seeks to use this interest to increase environmental awareness and environmental-related action. Integrating artistic techniques with ecological concepts presents an opportunity to develop a more engaging and practical approach to environmental education.

The project draws inspiration from the work of Laura Lončar, a biologist and artist associated with our organisation, whose approach to combining science and art demonstrates the potential for application in youth work methodologies.

OBJECTIVES
1. Provide youth workers with skills and knowledge in eco-art methods for environmental education.
2. Develop practical tools and methods that combine artistic techniques with ecological concepts, suitable for youth work in diverse contexts.
3. Enhance connections between the art sector, the scientific community, and youth organisations.
4. Utilise creative methods to facilitate a deeper understanding of environmental challenges among young people and encourage active participation in environmental actions.

ACTIVITIES
a) Preparatory Visit (2 days + 2 travel days), early May 2025
- 1 participant from each partner organisation
- detailed planning of the training, establishing common project goals, initial team building

b) Training for youth workers, May 27 - June 2, 2025
- 20 youth workers + 1 trainer
- theoretical knowledge and practical skills in eco-art techniques
- workshops on integrating eco-art into youth work and environmental education
- development of eco-art projects for local implementation

c) Local follow-up activities
- Implementation of follow-up activities by each partner organisation in their local communities by organising a multiplier event with young people aimed at practical applications of knowledge gained during training

d) Eco-Art in Youth Work Handbook
- detail all eco-art methods developed for and used during the training, providing step-by-step instructions for implementing eco-art activities in youth work
- available in digital format for easy dissemination and in print for hands-on use (SALTO-YOUTH, Erasmus+ result platform)

PARTNER PROFILE
We are seeking four partner organisations with the following qualifications:
- experience in environmental education methodologies
- established background in youth work, in urban or rural contexts
- competence in art-based methods for non-formal education
- capacity for result dissemination and community impact
- prior experience with Erasmus+ projects (preferred but not required)

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Target participants are youth workers (no age limit) with the following characteristics:
- minimum one year of active work with young people
- interest in ecology, art, or non-formal education
- 4 participants from each partner country

ABOUT THE TRAINER
Laura Lončar will serve as the primary trainer for this project. She holds a Master's degree in Biology from the University of Osijek, Croatia, and completed an art program at the Milan Art Institute in 2022. Laura has five years of experience conducting workshops that integrate science and art. Her previous work includes the "On the Creative Side of the Brain" project, which examined connections between cognition and artistic expression, and the "Big Cats" art series, exhibited at the University of Osijek's Biology Department. She is the author of "From Tundra to Tropical Rainforests," a book combining biological information with artistic representations of ecosystems. Her workshops attract biology students, artists, and the general public. You can find more here: https://lauraloncar.com/.

ABOUT US
SUMA – Udruga za održivi razvoj (Association for Sustainable Development) is a youth-led organization from Croatia. The organisation promotes sustainable development in rural and urban areas, with particular emphasis on youth engagement and rural development.

REACH OUT TO US
If your organisation is interested in partnering in this project, please send your PIF to udrugasuma@gmail.com by September 9, 2024. In your email, please briefly describe your organization's experience in eco-art, environmental education, or innovative youth work methods.