The “Arts for Social Change” course, a collaboration between blinc eG, and the Emprove Foundation, took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 21st to 25th April, 2024. This training course was designed to inspire, empower, and enable participants to use various art forms to drive social change. With a focus on storytelling, community connection, and personal healing, the course provided a dynamic space where participants from diverse backgrounds came together to learn, create, and innovate. Through field visits, hands-on workshops, and engagement with real-world examples, participants explored how art can become a powerful tool for addressing social issues and fostering cultural transformation.
Participant Projects: Diverse Art for Social Change
The course participants from a diverse cultural and professional background travelled from Germany to Bulgaria. They have developed diverse art projects aimed at fostering social change, community engagement and personal healing and development. Their initiatives include using flower arrangements, music, storytelling, illustration, and culinary arts to address themes like self-acceptance, resilience, and community connection under the broader goal of using art for social change. Each project idea creatively explores personal and collective narratives, offering interactive workshops, public installations, and supportive art pieces to inspire empathy, self-expression, and transformation. The overarching goal is to create art that helps marginalised individuals navigate their healing journeys, raising awareness on domestic violence and fostering a society that is more socially engaged and linked through healthy relationships. The course facilitators from the Emprove Foundation confirmed the great practical value of all developed project ideas and their high level of transferability for the mission of violence prevention in interpersonal relationships and beyond.
Reflections from Ms Chow: Inspiration and Impact
“Participating in the Arts for Social Change course was an eye-opening experience. I witnessed the transformative power of art in addressing social issues and connecting people across cultures. I was particularly moved by the diverse approaches participants took in their projects, from music and storytelling to flower arrangements and even food! Each project was a testament to how creativity can drive meaningful change and foster healing in our communities. This course has inspired me to integrate these learnings into my own work and continue to advocate for art as a catalyst for social transformation.”
— Ms Chow, Course Participant and Global Marketing Manager
Promoting European Values through Art and Collaboration
This course embraced mobility, cross-cultural exchange, and multidisciplinary peer learning, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of European values on solidarity, diversity, and inclusion. By bringing together participants from various backgrounds and disciplines, the program created a rich environment for collaboration and innovation. Participants learned to see social issues from different perspectives, gaining insights that transcended borders and disciplines. This shared experience not only enriched their personal and professional growth but also strengthened their commitment to building a more united, compassionate, and culturally aware Europe.
