Techno Rural Lab: Creative Networks for Rural Europe

Techno Rural Lab is a European training course focused on the professional development of youth workers through artistic and participatory methodologies applied to rural territories. The initiative will bring together cultural and social organisations from different countries to explore how technology, contemporary arts and democratic participation can strengthen youth work in rural communities with fewer opportunities. The project will take place in Sepúlveda, a medieval village of 987 inhabitants located in the province of Segovia, Spain.
The proposal consists of an 8 day international meeting in a rural environment, where 20 youth workers and activists will exchange practices, receive training in innovative methodologies, and co create new ideas for European collaboration. The programme combines approaches such as community theatre, cultural mediation, technocultures and field research, with the aim of generating useful and transferable tools for youth work in rural areas. Activities and accommodation will take place at Casa L4R, a community based artistic creation space, and will also include sessions in municipal venues, outdoor activities and hiking routes in the surroundings of the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park.
Beyond training, the project aims to build a stable European network of organisations interested in the intersection between art, youth and territorial development in rural contexts. This network will support future joint initiatives and strengthen each organisation’s capacity to work at an international level.
We are looking for partners working in youth, democratic culture, new technologies or community development, who are interested in exploring new forms of creative collaboration in rural or peripheral territories.