Erasmus + KA 153 Project - Embodied Cities: Empowering Youth Workers in Disadvantaged Cities through Body Based Pedagogies

Embodied Cities aims to empower youth workers by introducing embodied and artistic pedagogies that can help engage young people who face barriers such as language differences, social exclusion, or lack of access to cultural opportunities. 

The project combines physical theatre, improvisation, dance, visual arts, and intercultural exchange to create innovative tools for youth work and non-formal education.

Participants will work together to explore how artistic practices can become practical tools for inclusion, communication, and creativity in youth programs.

The project is implemented in partnership between:

Compagnie Miselyum (France)

Asociación Cultural Transeúnte (Spain)

Kulturrummet (Sweden)

Diwan Academy (Türkiye)

Training Activity

The main activity of the project is a 13-day international training course hosted by Diwan Academy in Batman, Türkiye, including a cultural visit to Diyarbakır. 

The training is based on non-formal learning methods, combining practical workshops, artistic experimentation, and intercultural dialogue.

Participants will explore methods such as:

Movement and Physical Theatre Training

Inspired by Lecoq pedagogy, participants will explore body awareness, movement analysis, the “seven levels of tension,” and the study of natural elements such as earth, air, water, and fire. Physical practices including yoga, Feldenkrais, and meditation will support the connection between inner awareness and creative action. 

Improvisation, Physical Character Creation

Workshops will focus on improvisation techniques, action and reaction, conflict situations, and character development through voice, gestures, and storytelling. Participants will learn how to design creative exercises that stimulate imagination and collaboration among young people. 

Autocours – Collective Creation Process

Participants will work in small groups to develop short theatre pieces inspired by daily themes. These collaborative creations will allow participants to practice facilitation, teamwork, and leadership skills that are essential in youth work. 

Interdisciplinary Artistic Labs

The program includes creative labs connecting different artistic disciplines:

Visual Arts & Movement workshops

Swing dance and theatre expression

Music, rhythm, and collective sessions

Cultural Exchange and Local Context

Participants will discover the local cultural scene through theatre visits, performances, and community interactions, including an introduction to regional artistic traditions. 

Erasmus+ Capacity Building

Workshops on Erasmus+ opportunities will support participants in developing their own future projects and understanding how to apply for European youth programs. 

Final Public Performance

At the end of the training, participants will collectively create and present a public performance in a local public space, sharing their artistic exploration with the community. 

Participant Profile

We are looking for youth workers, artists, educators, and cultural practitioners who are active in fields such as:

theatre and performance

dance and movement practices

music and DJ culture

visual arts and mural art

stand-up, storytelling, or ritual practices

community arts and urban festivals

Participants should be motivated to explore interdisciplinary artistic methods and apply them in their work with young people.

The project particularly welcomes participants who:

work with young people in diverse or disadvantaged communities

are interested in non-verbal and body-based communication

want to experiment with creative methods in youth work

are open to intercultural collaboration

Age: 18+ (There is no age limit) 

Participants

The project will bring together 30 participants in total including 6 facilitators:

France – 6 participants

Türkiye – 6 participants

Spain – 6 participants

Sweden – 6 participants

Each partner organisation will select main participants and reserve participants through an open call and application process.

Financial Conditions

The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

The project covers:

Accommodation

Food during the activity

Local program costs

Travel costs will be reimbursed according to Erasmus+ distance bands.

Participation in the project is free of charge.

Participant Commitment

Selected participants are expected to:

Attend the full duration of the training

Actively participate in workshops and group activities

Contribute to collaborative artistic processes

Take part in reflection and evaluation sessions

Share the project results within their local communities after the mobility

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application form provided by the partner organisation in your country.

Selected participants will be contacted after the evaluation of applications.

If you are interested in exploring how art, movement, and embodied practices can transform youth work, we warmly invite you to apply and become part of the Embodied Cities international network.