CANVAS OF DEMOCRACY 2.0

Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

“CANVAS OF DEMOCRACY 2.0” is an Erasmus+ international youth exchange, with partners from multiple European countries. 

Working language: English

Dates: 14-22 October 2026 (14 and 22 travel dates)

Venue: “La Scala di Giacobbe” - Castelletto di Cuggiono (MILAN PROVINCE), Italy

Evocative hamlet on the Naviglio Grande banks, it is rich of aweinspiring

villas and historical buildings (it has been also location of

some films over the years). The hamlet is situated in the territory of

Parco del Ticino, which is an area particularly lush and verdant with

sumptuous oaks and many water meadows.

About the project:

Following the success of the first edition, this new youth exchange invites young people from

across Europe to move beyond discussing democracy and start experiencing it firsthand

through culture, creativity, and active participation.

This year, the project takes place alongside The Biennale del Colore 2026, a vibrant

community festival that transforms the city of Magenta into a living canvas of art, culture,

and civic engagement. Participants will not only explore democratic values through nonformal

education and artistic workshops, but will also become active contributors to a real

community event.

Throughout the exchange, participants will discover how local communities, associations,

artists, institutions, and citizens work together to create meaningful cultural initiatives. They

will meet local stakeholders, learn how a community festival is organised, participate in

festival activities, and design creative outputs that will be showcased to the public.

Through workshops, intercultural activities, discussions, artistic experimentation,

and community-based learning, participants will:

• Experience democracy in action through direct involvement in community life

• Explore how art and culture can strengthen participation, dialogue, and social

cohesion

• Develop creative projects and artistic expressions around European values and

active citizenship

• Strengthen critical thinking, media literacy, teamwork, and intercultural

competences

• Connect with local actors and understand how citizens can shape their

communities

• Present their ideas and creations to the wider public during the festival

Canvas of Democracy 2.0 is built on a simple idea: everyone can be an artist, and

everyone can be an active citizen.

Whether through painting, theatre, music, photography, storytelling, performance,

or completely new forms of expression, participants will be encouraged to use

creativity as a tool to share ideas, spark conversations, and inspire engagement.

By the end of the exchange, participants will not only leave with new friendships

and skills, but with the experience of having contributed to something visible,

meaningful, and shared with the local community.

Participants’ PROFILE:

.. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 21–30 YEARS OLD (NO AGE LIMIT FOR YOUTH LEADERS.)

. Young people involved in partner organisations and/or local youth communities,

interested in culture, artistic expression, active citizenship, and democratic participation

.. Participants motivated to explore creative methods such as art, theatre, music,

photography, storytelling, and performance as tools for expression and social engagement.

No artistic experience is needed, just real motivation. We are here to experiment, learn, and

have fun. Everyone has an artist inside!

.. YOUNG PEOPLE READY TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOPS, DISCUSSIONS,

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES, AND GROUP WORK. THIS IS NOT A HOLIDAY TRIP! YOUR ENERGY,

IDEAS, AND INVOLVEMENT MATTER

.. The project takes place in a small Italian town, surrounded by nature. Don't expect Milan

Fashion Week, shopping districts, or nightlife. Instead, enjoy the opportunity to slow down,

disconnect from the rush of everyday life, and experience authentic community living

Objectives: 

Increase young people’s understanding of democratic processes at local, national, and

EU levels, encouraging active participation in community and civic life.

Strengthen cultural awareness and intercultural competences, helping young people

recognize the importance of cultural identity, artistic expression, and European common

values.

Equip young people with creative tools and artistic methods to express social messages,

promote civic participation, and address community issues through art.

Encourage meaningful youth participation, boosting confidence, leadership skills, and

the ability to contribute to democratic life and public debate.

Promote inclusion, unity in diversity, and a sense of belonging, increasing awareness of

the EU context, shared heritage, and democratic principles.

Support inter-organizational cooperation, fostering partnerships and creating

opportunities for new Erasmus+ projects, long-term collaborations, and youth-led

initiatives.

We will send 6 Czech participants (age 21-30 y.o.) + 1 group leader.

Read the full Info-pack here.

Apply ASAP here: https://forms.gle/x2WRk598niJSKHbH6