🇮🇹 "Art Myths Culture" / 2-10.04.2025 - Filadelfia (VV), Calabria, Italy
- Arte Diem Calabria
- Oct 22, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Between the 2nd ant 10th of April 2025, the small town of Filadelfia in Calabria, Italy buzzed with creative energy as it hosted Art Myths Culture, a youth exchange co-funded by Erasmus+. 36 young people from Italy, Greece, Georgia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Bosnia & Herzegovina came together for a nine-day journey of cultural discovery and artistic collaboration. True to Erasmus+ values, the exchange fostered an inclusive, intercultural learning environment, actively involving participants with fewer opportunities alongside their peers. The project’s goal was to bridge cultures and counter negativity by exploring the power of myths and art. Participants set out to explore their cultural heritage, build personal and social skills, and foster empathy and understanding – all while having a blast creating art together.
Project Objectives:
Explore myths, legends and cultural heritage: Using storytelling and art to share traditions and keep legends alive.
Build soft skills and personal growth: Strengthening teamwork, communication, creativity, and self-confidence through collaborative workshops.
Foster empathy and intercultural understanding: Creating a safe space for dialogue, breaking stereotypes, and forming friendships across diverse backgrounds.
Counter isolation and radicalization: Promoting inclusion, critical thinking and a shared European identity as positive alternatives to fear and extremism.
Breaking the Ice and Building the Team
The exchange kicked off with high-energy team-building activities to help everyone get comfortable and form a united group. After a warm welcome and introduction to the week ahead, participants worked together to create a set of community guidelines and even a “Good Deeds Chart” – a playful poster encouraging acts of kindness during the week. With the ground rules set, it was time to break the ice in true creative style. Youth leaders from different countries led artistic ice-breakers that had everyone laughing, moving, and collaborating from the start. One highlight was a Filadelfia town scavenger hunt, which sent international teams out into the streets to complete fun challenges and meet local residents. Some of the memorable team tasks included:
Learning a few phrases in the local Calabrese dialect and teaching locals words from their own languages.
Inventing a simple team dance by mixing traditional steps from all six countries, then performing it in a scenic spot.
Pairing up with friendly locals to sing a popular Italian song together in the town piazza.
Hunting for historical landmarks and cultural spots in Filadelfia – taking group selfies at each and discovering the stories behind them (including the legend of the old town Castelmonardo).
Filming a quirky video with local youth enthusiastically shouting “Arte Diem Calabria!” (the motto of the hosting organization).
Finding the prettiest viewpoint in town to snap a creative group photo with everyone in it.
These activities were not only hilarious and engaging, but also set the tone for teamwork. By the end of the first day, participants had met the locals, learned about Filadelfia’s heritage, and even busted out dance moves inspired by each other’s cultures. The initial barriers melted away as the group bonded through laughter and shared adventure.
Sharing Myths and Stories
With the team spirit high, Day 2 plunged into the heart of the project: storytelling and cultural myths. Each national team had prepared legendary tales from their home country to share with everyone. In a session cheekily titled “Did You Hear This Story? Well…”, participants from Greece, Italy, Georgia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Bosnia & Herzegovina took turns presenting their favorite myths, legends, and folktales. The room transformed into a tapestry of world folklore – from ancient heroes and mythical creatures to brave historical figures and beloved local fables. Youth used costumes, props, and plenty of dramatic flair to bring their stories to life, while others played narrators or added sound effects.
As each legend unfolded, the group not only discovered new stories but also the values and lessons each tale carried. For example, Italians shared the dance of the Tarantella and the Sicilian hero Colapesce, illustrating themes of healing through art and selfless sacrifice. North Macedonian participants recounted the origin of Lake Ohrid’s name and the bold tale of Sirma the warrior shepherdess, highlighting courage against adversity. From Ukrainian and Georgian mountains to Bosnian castles, every story sparked curiosity and cultural pride. Applause and wide-eyed questions followed each presentation, proving that myths still captivate us today regardless of where we come from. It was a powerful exchange of heritage that set the stage for deeper exploration.
Creative Workshops: Bringing Legends to Life
Telling each other about old myths was just the beginning. Next, the participants rolled up their sleeves in creative workshops to bring those legends to life through art. One imaginative activity called “The Birth of a New Myth” challenged mixed-nationality teams to invent their own original mythological story from scratch. Given a grab-bag of inspiring prompts, each group unleashed their creativity – coming up with new heroes, magical creatures, and morals that reflected the diversity of their members. The results were funny, profound, and totally unique myths that blended elements from different cultures. This ice-breaking creation not only flexed everyone’s imagination but also showed how storytelling can unite ideas from many backgrounds into one narrative.
Building on that momentum, another workshop titled “1 Myth, 1000 Arts” encouraged participants to reinterpret one of the traditional legends through various art forms. Some groups chose to paint murals and posters depicting their stories’ key scenes; others composed short poems or songs retelling the tale in modern ways. A few particularly adventurous teams choreographed mini-dramas or dance pieces to embody their myth on stage. The message was clear: there’s no single way to express a story. By collaborating across artistic mediums, the young people discovered new talents in themselves and learned to appreciate each other’s creative strengths. The process of co-creating art across cultures was both challenging and thrilling – it required teamwork, communication, and trust, exactly the soft skills the project aimed to boost. The laughter, applause, and occasionally tears of emotion during these workshops showed how deeply everyone connected with the material and with each other.
Intercultural Nights: Celebrating Diversity
Every evening, the participants celebrated their diversity through lively Intercultural Nights. Each country team had the chance to host an evening and give their peers a taste of their home culture – literally and figuratively! The dining hall transformed nightly as one nation after another showcased their traditional food, music, dance, and customs. From Greek souvlaki and Georgian khachapuri to Ukrainian folk songs and Bosnian dance steps, everyone savored the rich variety of Europe (and beyond) on their plates and on the dance floor.
But it wasn’t just about food and dance – true to the project’s theme, these nights also highlighted each country’s cultural heritage and myths. Participants prepared creative presentations and skits about their national legends, famous art, or history, adding an educational twist to the fun. One night, the Italian team taught a simplified tarantella dance to everyone; another night, the Macedonian group invited us into a mock village celebration, complete with a legendary folk tale acted out in costume. Through laughter and curiosity, the young people broke stereotypes and learned directly from each other. They asked questions about each country’s lifestyle and challenges, discovering surprising similarities alongside differences. The atmosphere was like a world tour among friends – by the final intercultural night, the group had formed a tight-knit family, cheering enthusiastically for every country as if it were their own.
Exploring Calabria’s Heritage
Mid-way through the exchange, it was time to step out of the workshop room and explore the beautiful region hosting the project. On Day 4, the group set off on an outdoor cultural visit to discover Calabria’s heritage firsthand. The excursion took them to the stunning coastal town of Tropea, famous for its dramatic cliffs and the ancient Santa Maria dell’Isola sanctuary perched above turquoise seas. For many participants, this was their first glimpse of the Tyrrhenian coast, and the views did not disappoint – cue lots of group selfies with gelato in hand! In nearby Pizzo, they wandered charming narrow streets and learned the local legend of Murat at the medieval Aragonese Castle. The youth marveled at how history and myth intertwined in these places, making the experience of learning tangible and fun.
Beyond sightseeing, the day trip was a chance to relax and bond further in a new setting. The participants picnicked together with authentic Calabrian pizza and tartufo ice cream (a Pizzo specialty), sat on the beach sharing songs and stories from home, and even had an impromptu sand-art contest inspired by symbols from their cultures. This carefree day strengthened cross-country friendships and reminded everyone that learning happens everywhere – on the road, by the sea, and in conversation with friends. On the bus ride back to Filadelfia, a reflective mood set in. That evening, the organizers arranged a special film screening of the documentary “Human”. Watching real-life stories from around the world projected under the stars led to a thoughtful group discussion about our shared humanity. It was a calm, bonding night that deepened the sense of empathy and global perspective within the group after the excitement of travel.
Exploring Identity and Breaking Stereotypes
A core theme of Art Myths Culture was personal identity and inclusion. Throughout the exchange, workshops encouraged participants to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and how they view others. One insightful session called “The Tree of Culture” invited each young person to draw a symbolic tree representing their cultural identity. Roots stood for family background and traditions, the trunk for personal values and beliefs, and branches for hopes and ideas they want to share with the world. As volunteers presented their “culture trees,” the room lit up with understanding – even across very different backgrounds, many roots and values overlapped. This activity helped everyone appreciate the unique heritage each individual carries, and how those origins shape our worldviews. It also sparked conversations about which aspects of culture are most important to us and which new leaves we hope to grow in the future.
Another powerful activity was a living “Human Library”. In this workshop, some participants volunteered to be “books,” each sharing a personal story or experience (for example, overcoming a challenge, dealing with prejudice, or preserving a family tradition). Their peers became “readers,” who could ask respectful questions and have an honest dialogue with the human “book.” Rotating through stories, the group was able to “read” about life from multiple perspectives that they might never encounter otherwise. This exercise built empathy in a profound way – faces that were strangers a few days ago were now sources of inspiration and friendship. Misconceptions were broken as people opened up about their lives, proving that you can’t judge a book by its cover.
Interwoven with these activities were discussions and games that tackled stereotypes and prejudices head-on. Through quizzes, role-plays, and open dialogue, participants examined how stereotypes form, why they persist, and how they can lead to discrimination. They brainstormed everyday ways to challenge unfair labels and practiced using more inclusive language. By sharing examples of stereotypes they had heard about their own countries (often humorous or absurd when debunked), the youth created a collective determination to see each person as an individual, not a category. These identity-focused workshops left a deep impression, as many remarked that they felt truly seen and heard for who they are. The supportive environment gave space for everyone – including those from marginalized backgrounds – to voice their thoughts and be celebrated.
Green Myths and Art for Change
As the week progressed, the exchange connected ancient wisdom to modern challenges. One morning, the Georgian team led an innovative session called “Green Myths – The Ancestors of the SDGs”. This workshop explored how age-old legends and folk wisdom relate to today’s global sustainability goals. Participants matched myths from different cultures to specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), uncovering messages about respecting nature, fairness, and community that have been told for generations. For instance, a myth about a great flood resonated with climate action, and stories emphasizing generosity linked to reducing inequalities. By viewing myths through a sustainability lens, the group realized that the struggles and values of the past can guide us in solving present-day issues. It was an eye-opening way to show that cultural heritage and environmental awareness go hand in hand.
In the same spirit of social responsibility, the exchange devoted time to “Art for Change” workshops. Here, mixed-nationality teams brainstormed how they could use art to address social issues they care about – whether it be racism, gender inequality, environmental protection, or mental health. Each team dreamed up a small project or campaign, leveraging their collective creativity. Ideas flourished: one group designed a series of street murals highlighting the theme of unity in diversity; another scripted a short theater sketch promoting peace between communities. Others outlined social media photo campaigns and music jam sessions to engage youth in their hometowns on pressing topics. The participants poured passion into these concepts, sketching out plans and even creating sample artwork or performances on the spot. Art became a tool for activism, and every young person had the chance to be a changemaker. This activity also planted the seeds for future follow-up – many participants expressed eagerness to actually implement these art projects back home. By the end of the day, the room was filled with posters, prototypes, and enthusiastic pitches, proving that when youth collaborate across borders, they can imagine bold solutions to shared challenges.
"Art Meets Culture" – Final Exhibition
We would like to thank Loredana Maiolo for her constant presence and availability and for putting us in contact with the Institution of Castelmonardo; the Mayor of Filadelfia, Anna Bertucca, who is always supportive and open to new projects and initiatives; and Councillor Veronica Gugliotta, who thanks to her constant involvement and enthusiasm has jokingly become a “regular member” of our Erasmus projects.
In the final phase of the project, the last day was dedicated almost entirely to the activities that led to the Art Meets Culture exhibition. As part of the project activities, the participants also visited the Museum of the Institution of Castelmonardo, where they had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the local history and cultural heritage, enriching the artistic and educational path of the exchange. Participants moved between the school and the auditorium, engaging in a rich and dynamic creative journey that included creative painting workshops, theatrical performances, and expressive activities. Each participant was encouraged to explore their individuality and give voice to their emotions and ideas. These moments were not only formative for the youth but also highly inclusive, as they involved a large part of the local community and many students from Filadelfia, who actively participated and attended the events.
The Art Meets Culture exhibition was a huge success. Not only did it allow the youth to demonstrate their growth and talents, but it also brought the local community into the project’s embrace. Town members expressed admiration for the creativity and positive energy, and the participants felt proud seeing hundreds of people engage with their work.
Reflection, Evaluation, and Next Steps
As the exchange drew to a close, the participants took time to reflect on their journey and celebrate their achievements. Each day had concluded with personal journaling and group debriefs – often using an online Trello board where everyone jotted down highlights, challenges, and lessons learned in real time. These daily reflections helped the young people become more aware of their learning progress, from gaining confidence in public speaking to discovering a new respect for cultural differences. Halfway through the program, a structured mid-term evaluation let the group openly share feedback, ensuring that any concerns were addressed and that the second half of the exchange was even more effective. This transparent, youth-led evaluation boosted trust and showed participants that their voices mattered in shaping the experience.
On the final full day, attention turned to synthesizing the learning and looking forward. Participants were guided through filling out their YouthPass certificates, an official recognition of skills gained during Erasmus+ projects. In doing so, they revisited the week’s events and identified concrete competencies they developed – whether it was teamwork and English communication, leadership in running a workshop, artistic skills, or intercultural empathy. Many were amazed at how much they had grown in such a short time. An emotional closing circle allowed everyone to share final thoughts (without direct quotes, the general sentiment was pure gratitude and excitement for the future). One by one, they received their YouthPass, cheered on by new friends from across Europe. For those participants who came from fewer-opportunity backgrounds, this moment was especially empowering: they stood proud of what they had accomplished on an equal footing with everyone else, shattering any self-doubt they might have had before.
But the end of the exchange was not truly the end of Art Myths Culture. In a forward-looking workshop, the group devised plans for follow-up activities and staying connected. Each national team brainstormed how to bring the spirit of AMC back home – from organizing local workshops to share the myths and art techniques learned, to planning community events or exhibitions inspired by the final showcase. They exchanged contacts and made concrete commitments to collaborate after returning home, ensuring the project’s impact would ripple outward. The farewell party that night was bittersweet but joyful – filled with music, hugs, and the promise “See you again!”. Tears were shed, flags were signed, and endless photos were taken, but one thing was clear: every participant was leaving with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a broader horizon.
The Art Myths Culture youth exchange proved that when young people unite to explore art and heritage, they also build bridges between cultures. Over one incredible week in Calabria, these participants became storytellers, artists, teammates, and agents of change. They showed how myths and creativity can be a powerful antidote to prejudice and disconnection – sparking curiosity instead of fear, and understanding instead of division. By the end, the group had formed a mini global community celebrating both their differences and common humanity. As the project demonstrated, youth exchanges like this do more than just teach facts about culture; they ignite empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging to a shared European family. The legacy of Art Myths Culture will live on in the ongoing friendships and initiatives it inspired. In the words shouted during their scavenger hunt video – Arte Diem Calabria! – the participants truly seized the day (and the art!), creating a myth of their own that will continue to inspire long after the exchange.
📚 Project Results & Media
Throughout Art Myths Culture, participants created meaningful artistic and digital outputs that now live online as a legacy of the experience. Below you will find dedicated spaces to insert and showcase these results for maximum visibility.
📖 Booklet – Myths, Legends & Artworks
A collaborative booklet created by participants, mixing traditional legends, original artwork, symbolic illustrations, and new myths written during the exchange.
🎥 Video Gallery - Project Highlights & Storytelling
A comprehensive collection of high-quality multimedia outputs created and recorded by participants throughout the entire project. All video materials have been curated into a dedicated thematic playlist, showcasing the creative journey, artistic experimentation, and intercultural storytelling developed during Art Myths Culture.
🎞️ Final Project Video & Exhibition Documentation
Audiovisual documentation of the final outcomes of the project, including performances, collective creations, and the concluding exhibition that brought together art, mythology, and cultural dialogue.
🎙️ Podcast & Audio Storytelling
Audio-based creative outputs developed by participants, combining reflection, dialogue, and intercultural learning in an accessible and engaging format.
🎬 Awareness & Social Change Videos
Short and impactful videos created to promote intercultural dialogue, cultural awareness, inclusion, and social responsibility through artistic expression.
🎵 Creative Collective Outputs
Artistic productions born from collaboration and group creativity, reinforcing a shared European identity and project spirit.
📸 Photo Album - Project Highlights
A complete photo album documenting the project experience, including workshops, creative labs, informal moments, interaction with the local community, and the final exhibition.
📝 Participants’ Testimonials
Authentic video testimonies where participants share their learning experiences, emotional journey, and personal growth achieved through the project.
🎥 Reels & Short Video Edits
Dynamic reels and short videos capturing meaningful moments, daily energy, emotional connections, and creative processes, widely used for dissemination and intercultural promotion.
Meet our Partners
"Art Myths Culture" came to life thanks to the strong cooperation and shared commitment of youth organizations from six countries. Each partner played a key role in preparing and guiding participants, promoting inclusion, and creating an inspiring learning space where myths, art, and culture became bridges between identities and nations.
Together, we celebrated European cultural roots, discovered the stories that shape our communities, and empowered young people to become storytellers, bridge-builders and active citizens.
🇲🇰 North Macedonia: Network for European Citizenship and Identity | Facebook
🇺🇦 Ukraine: NGO “Step with Green” Instagram | Facebook
🇧🇦 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities Instagram | Facebook
🇬🇪 Georgia - Adventure and Innovation Programs Center | Facebook
Comments