🚀Training Course in Slovakia, “Artivism in Action: Creativity for Change”- Exploring Storytelling, Digital Tools & Activism

From June 9 to 15, 2025, young people from Armenia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, and Romania gathered in Hrnčiarovce nad Parnou, Slovakia, for the Erasmus+ training course "Artivism in Action: Creativity for Change". Organised by the European Dialogue NGO in collaboration with INEDNET, the training focused on harnessing the power of creativity to raise awareness, build community, and inspire action.

The program explored a rich mix of topics, including digital art, storytelling, public speaking, artivism, and the Theatre of the Oppressed. Through interactive workshops and creative labs, participants discovered how art can become a powerful medium to express messages, challenge norms, and spark social change.

Participants experimented with innovative tools such as Knight Lab, Esri StoryMap, Dveprahy, BandLab, Powtoon, Canva, and meme generators. These hands-on sessions brought ideas to life and demonstrated how accessible digital platforms can effectively communicate with broad audiences. As a final task, participants showcased their work through powerful performances and creative outputs: some shared stories through theatre, dance, and music, while others presented visual art pieces and short videos that captured their core messages.

Beyond the workshops, participants explored Slovak culture with a visit to Trojičné Námestie and a local gallery. The Armenian team also had the opportunity to visit the iconic Červený Kameň Castle during a free day in Trnava, immersing themselves in local history and scenic landscapes.

During the intercultural night, the Armenian participants presented a vivid and joyful reenactment of a traditional Armenian wedding, complete with dancing, storytelling, and authentic food. They also shared fun and fascinating facts about Armenia, bringing their culture to life and leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

This project was a powerful reminder of the unique potential of creativity and collaboration. "Artivism in Action" was more than just a training — it was an invitation to engage with the world through art and to take meaningful action. The Armenian team returns home inspired and empowered to lead initiatives that harness the arts to raise awareness and drive positive change.