Up cycling is different from recycling. When waste is recycled, it loses its value. Up cycling, on the other hand, allows a non-recyclable waste product to gain in value. Up cycling is to renew objects by giving them a new life.
Overconsumption, mass tourism… All these subjects are at the heart of everyone’s concerns in the 21st century. Ecology has become a major issue. What if fashion and DIY went green? There is a trend that is attracting more and more young people: it is upcycling. It’s a new way of consuming and creating stylish, more eco-responsible fashion. So why not get involved? Upcycling is within your reach by participating in this youth exchange.
Practicing the art of up cycling in particular, taking place in a creative and dynamic learning environment, reinforces personal and social skills, social solidarity, communication, conflict management and the ability to self-integrate.
In the area of non-formal education of young people, art is a sure and safe area for developing their personal abilities and enhancing their creativity. Through artistic practices and related activities, the youth are empowered to “liberate” and express their deepest thoughts and suggestions for a better
world, a green and sustainable world that embraces diversity and pursue equality.
Engaging in our artistic youth exchange will give them the opportunity to learn more and develop skills about waste valorization and material transformation to create art with meaning (from trash to art). Participants will develop communication skills by expressing their feelings and ideas about their social surround and their unhindered integration as a whole. Interacting with young people in an intercultural group will enhance their self-esteem and increase their motivation to participate in social solidarity and cohesion activities. Coming together with people from different countries will get over any phobia about the foreign and the different and will enhance cohesion at an international level. Practicing in a multicultural environment can also overcome any language obstacles and enhance the smooth integration of participants into the group.
Aims of the project:
- To give opportunity to youth including youngsters with few opportunities to implement a
sustainable approach and to act ecologically and in creative way. - Give a chance to youngsters To share know-how’s regarding waste valorisation, up cycling and
learning about the possibilities of maintaining a Zero-waste lifestyle. - To enable participants of this exchange to develop multiple skills in terms of waste management
and to develop environmentally responsible behaviour.
In view of the above, we organized the youth exchange “Eco-Art” involving 40 young people from 6 EU countries. The exchange lasted 9 days, from 11th to 21st of July 2022 on the island of Lefkada (Greece).
Participants worked together to prepare an art exhibition from up cycled material and videos for their creation.
Infopack | Youth exchange poster | Art Exhibition poster (English) | Art Exhibition poster (Greek)
Art exhibition (full exhibition)
Videos of art creation process: