YE_THEATER EXPRESS

---NO ITALIAN ORGANIZATIONS, SORRY! We have already an Italian partner---

We live in a moment in which the European integration process has created a debate on European Identity and xenophobia and that also brought some situations of bullying due to the different backgrounds of people. Therefore it is important to cultivate European cultural diversity as integrative. Art is one of the highest expressions of the culture of a country and it is also a universal tool of understanding among global citizens. In this sense, "THEATER EXPRESS" incorporates theater as work tools which will allow the participants to explore and accept the differences and similarities embedded within European cultures.
During the 7 days + 2 travelling days of the project, the 42 participants (including group leaders) will participate in talks, workshops, debates and activities that will use theater as nonverbal expressions of the concept of European (plural) identity as well as to become aware and to deal against bullying and xenophobia.
Finally, they will show what they have learned in a final performance that will include, theater performances in which participants will express their similarities and differences to explain the European identity and how to face bullying and xenophobia situations to the citizens of Matadepera. The entire project will be documented in audiovisual format, so that the participants can disseminate what they have learnt in their own countries.

The objectives for this Youth Exchange are as follows:
MAIN GOALS
• To create a debate around bullying, xenophobia and the European Identity.
• To promote theater as a tool to explore and accept the differences and similarities embedded within European cultures, through non-formal education.
• To create a link among young Europeans and partner entities through an intense week of coexistence.
• To create visibility of the Erasmus + program for youngsters living in Matadepera.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
• To foster spaces where dialogue and theater become a tool for fighting against bullying and xenophobia.
• To create a debate around bullying, xenophobia and the European Identity, and to develop awareness in the different cultures of Europe.
• To promote the acquisition of knowledge to tackle the prejudices, bullying and xenophobia situations.
• To promote social inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities through theater.
• To propose new projects that give continuity to the main objective of the project in other countries.
• To debate and promote the acquisition of knowledge around the topic among youngsters between 18 and 30 years old.

DATES
The YE will take place in May, 2019 (exact dates still to be confirmed).

WHO? Partners profile
For this YOUTH EXCHANGE we seek partners from 6 countries of the European Union with experience in the Erasmus+ Program.
We will consider those associations who:
- have experience in European identity projects;
- have experience in bullying and xenophobia projects;
- have experience in the theater discipline;
- or projects with the target group or particularly sensitive to the subject to be treated.
In order to apply for becoming our partner in this YOUTH EXCHANGE, we would like to kindly ask you answer in 5 lines the following two questions (which we will include in the project proposal to be submitted):
1. How your organization will contribute to the YOUTH EXCHANGE (that is, activities that you will lead).
2. How participants from your country will be able to spread the knowledge from the project in the local community.
!!! WE WON'T CONSIDER ANY APPLICATION WITHOUT THESE QUESTIONS ANSWERED.