The Erasmus+ ‘Emotion Art’ project was an innovative and profound initiative in the field of mental health, offering participants from different European countries the opportunity to explore and gain a deeper understanding of essential aspects of emotional well-being through art. The project brought together young people from Romania, Italy, Lithuania, North Macedonia and the Czech Republic in an international setting, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences related to mental health, and it was coordonated by Taller d’Art, Cultura i Creació NGO from Barcelona, Spain. Filologisme was a partner in the Erasmus+ ‘Emotion Art’ project, where we sent five dedicated youngsters and a coordinator to participate. This collaboration allowed our team to engage deeply with the project’s mission of exploring mental health through art, providing valuable opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange.
Project objectives. The main objective of the project was to promote awareness and understanding of mental health and its importance in the development of young people. Through artistic and creative activities, participants were encouraged to explore different methods of stress management, emotional expression and the promotion of mental well-being. This interdisciplinary approach was designed to highlight the role of art as a therapeutic and self-reflective tool in the context of mental health.
Methodology. The project took place over a week and included a series of interactive activities and workshops designed to stimulate creativity and collaboration among the participants. Using non-formal education techniques, participants were invited to express themselves through various forms of art such as emotional storytelling, sculpture, poetry, drawing and photography. These activities were strategically chosen to enable a holistic approach to mental health, integrating both cognitive and emotional aspects of the participants’ experiences. Throughout these activities, the focus was on the process of reflection and self-exploration, with participants having the opportunity to analyse and discuss their own experiences and emotions. For example, in special sessions, participants created stories and sculptures representing stages of their emotional experiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of their inner states.
Emotional and social impact. Participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of mental health and how art can be used as a means of expression and healing. The group activities were essential in building cohesion among the participants, creating a safe space where they could share personal thoughts and feelings, express their emotions through art, and develop empathy and communication skills.
One of the notable aspects of the project was the integration of different art forms to facilitate deep non-verbal communication.For example, participants used poetry to explore mental health issues and express their thoughts in a creative and introspective way.Sculpture, on the other hand, provided a means of physically manifesting emotions, allowing participants to give concrete form to their feelings.The project culminated in an artistic performance dedicated to Saharan refugees, where participants expressed the importance of simple joys in life through dance, music and painting. This event not only highlighted the cohesion and solidarity of the group, but also underlined the importance of mental health in social and cultural contexts.
The Erasmus+ Emotion Art project demonstrated that art can be a powerful tool in promoting mental health and facilitating a deeper understanding of emotions. By engaging young people in a creative and collaborative environment, the project contributed to the development of stress management and self-reflection skills, which are essential for mental well-being.
This initiative not only strengthened the bonds between participants from different European countries, but also highlighted the importance of integrating the arts into non-formal education programmes for young people.Special thanks go to the @TACC organisation for their support in the realisation of this extraordinary project, which had a profound impact on all those involved.