RECULT

Aims of the Project

The Re-Cult project aimed to address the social inclusion challenges faced by individuals with migrant or minority backgrounds. Recognizing the barriers posed by cultural misunderstandings, the project sought to empower these individuals by providing tools, skills, and approaches to bridge the gap between their native and adopted cultures. The primary objective was to leverage art, creativity, and visual education to facilitate the integration of refugees, migrants, and cultural minorities into their local communities.

Approach and Method

Re-Cult adopted a blended learning method in visual education, focusing on recycling and rebuilding cultural identities. The project integrated participatory, experimental, and blended learning elements to create an inclusive educational framework. This approach emphasized visual creativity as a tool for communication and identity reconstruction, allowing participants to explore and express their cultural identities through art. The method included recycling visual heritage, skills, and knowledge, and incorporated digital literacy and environmental sustainability as core values.

Community Involvement

The project involved local migrant communities across five European countries: Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, and Italy. Community members participated in local workshops that included activities such as museum visits, art creation, and digital storytelling. These workshops were designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that participants from diverse cultural backgrounds could engage meaningfully. The workshops facilitated intercultural dialogue and provided a platform for participants to share their stories and experiences.

Concrete Results

The Re-Cult project resulted in the development of a comprehensive curriculum, including 21 learning units and 9 micro-lesson video tutorials. These resources were made available on an online platform, serving as a central hub for sharing good practices and learning tools. The project also produced video tutorials that were accessible on the Re-Cult YouTube channel, showcasing activities like body mapping and city exploration. These resources were designed to enhance participants’ skills in visual communication, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability.

Co-Created Recommendations

The project culminated in a set of co-created recommendations aimed at fostering cultural welfare, placemaking, and inclusion. These recommendations emphasized the importance of inclusive design, engaging and motivating participants, and continuously evaluating and adapting activities to meet the needs of diverse groups. The project highlighted the transformative power of visual creativity in promoting social inclusion and mutual respect, encouraging a dialogue-based approach to integration.

Overall, the Re-Cult project had a significant impact on cultural welfare by promoting understanding and respect for diverse cultural identities. It contributed to placemaking by helping individuals connect with their new environments and communities. The project’s inclusive approach fostered a sense of belonging and active citizenship among participants, ultimately enhancing their integration into host societies.