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SROI – a policy-relevant tool or a dark art? - CLiViE presentation at the 10th EMES conference in Rotterdam
CLiViE presented at the 10th EMES conference covering 'The Role of Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises in Boosting Societal Transitions' in Rotterdam over the 3 to 7 November 2025 period. The CLiViE contribution, from the University of Helsinki, under the heading of 'SROI – a policy-relevant tool or a dark art?' explored how the process of arriving at indicators is not value free and that they are framed by social and political processes of knowledge production. It also considered the extent to which qualitative issues can be easily quantified, translated into monetary values, and compared to each other at national and international levels. The presentation concluded by considering how arriving at a calculation of the SROI can help give disadvantaged communities a voice in the construction of categories and measurements and to contribute to positive impacts.
CLiViE case study: Stitching Social Solutions:
E-textiles and AI
In October, over 40 young participants joined TUM’s fun workshop series “Stitching Social Solutions: E-textiles and AI” at the Deutsches Museum’s TUMlab in Munich. The workshop invited participants to design a robot for “social good,” blending creativity with emerging technology. Using felt, glue, AI and e-textile components, children created light-up robot patches while reflecting on themes such as inclusion, belonging, and the role of technology in solving real-world challenges for others. The event highlighted how arts-based learning can foster the development of civic values, spark interest in STEM and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
CLiViE Researchers in Vilnius Discuss the Role of Arts-Based Education in Fostering Social Cohesion
On October 17-18, 2025, at the Vilnius Branch of the University of Bialystok, the 2nd international scientific conference “Weaving Culture: Cultural Narratives in Central and Eastern European Countries” took place. The conference was devoted to various cultural manifestations and facilitated the exchange of experiences and opinions between representatives of the humanities and social sciences.
The researchers of the Horizon Europe project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE) shared the results of their case studies. Associate Professor and Leading Researcher of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Alīna Romanovska in the conference section “Narratives on culture and their representations in art” gave a presentation “Understanding the Other through Art: A Case Study from a Latvian Border City”. Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Irina Presņakova presented the paper “Advancing Social Cohesion Through Cultural Literacy: Sport-Based Case Study” in the section “Erased Communities and Pasts”. Assistant Professor and Researcher of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Maija Grizāne delivered the speech ““You Don’t Have to Be Born in Poland to Be a Pole”: Latvian Polish Heritage as a Tool for Developing Cultural Literacy” in the section “Cultural Practices – Cultural Competencies”.
The researchers’ presentations attracted significant interest and stimulated extensive discussions on the importance of arts-based education in contemporary society. During the conference, professional contacts were established with scholars analysing the impact of arts-based education on social cohesion. These new connections are particularly valuable for future collaboration, as conference participants expressed interest in data-driven research results that the CLiViE project can provide. This collaboration creates a foundation for the development of joint studies, data exchange, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations in the field of arts-based education and the strengthening of social cohesion within the European context.
CLiViE case study: Dancing village
How does the place where we grow up and go to school influence our cultural experiences and worldview? How much of that depends on teachers, field trips, or after-school activities? And how often do we really get a chance to experience creativity - to understand what it means to go through a creative process?
At the start of the CLiViE project case study, the Paluknys teenagers (aged 15–16) stood in a circle for the first time at school to meet their creative practitioner - dancer and choreographer Petras Lisauskas. For most of them, it was their first encounter with a professional dancer, and with the practices of contemporary dance and circus art.
Through nine sessions, the group learned focus, teamwork, and empathy. They created movement sequences, tossed balls and sticks, and discussed topics that rarely surface in classrooms: self-acceptance, friendship, boundaries, and how society defines what is "normal."
In the final session, the students gathered around Petras’s black van, turning it into a canvas. On one side, they wrote “How do others see you?”On the other, “How would you like to be seen?”
The van became a symbol of reflection and of the space they created together to be heard, seen, and understood.
The Lithuanian case study is one of 28 across Europe exploring how cultural education can help build more inclusive and politically engaged societies.
CLiViE joins with cluster projects at the ECER 2025 annual conference
CLiVIE participated with its cluster projects - d@rts and EXPECT_Art - at a jointly organised symposium at ECER 2025 Charting the Way Forward: Education, Research, Potentials and Perspectives, held at the University of Belgrade (Serbia) over the 8 - 12 September 2025 period.
Under the theme of 'Promoting Cultural Literacy Through Arts Education: Reflections on the Perspectives of Theory of Change, Empowerment and Decolonial Theory', researchers from the three projects discussed issues around cultural literacy and its relevance for society today. In particular, the CLiViE contribution focused on the Theory of Change (ToC) as a methodology to promote social change through defining long-term goals and then mapping back to identify necessary preconditions. It also highlighted how a ToC can tell a ‘bottom-up’ story of how change is being created by measuring social, environmental and economic outcomes and uses monetary values to represent them.
CLiViE case study: HNMKY 3X3 Cultural Exchange Program
In February 2025, 20 young athletes (aged 15-19) from Finland, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Latvia came together in Helsinki for an unforgettable week of basketball and cultural exchange.
Within the framework of The Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe (CLiViE) research program founded by the European Commission, HNMKY made a case study with a focus on the two following outcomes:
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increase in level of understanding other people from various backgrounds and stronger sense of connection to a broader international community.
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improved collaboration skills with people from diverse backgrounds.
For seven days, they trained, learned, and shared daily life - from meals and cultural workshops to outdoor activities and basketball practices. The program ended with a special 3x3 draft tournament, where new mixed teams were formed, highlighting teamwork and collaboration beyond national borders.
The process was documented in a short film, featuring interviews where participants shared how they developed their collaborative and interpersonal skills. The documentary, produced by HNMKY, showcases the impact of sports as a tool for learning and cultural connection.
5th ISA Forum of Sociology: Knowing Justice in the Anthropocene
Conference: 5th ISA Forum of Sociology: Knowing Justice in the Anthropocene
Date: 6-11 July 2025
Rabat hosted the 5th ISA Forum of Sociology under the theme Knowing Justice in the Anthropocene. The event was organized by International Sociological Association (ISA)
Within the panel "Young People and Emotions in Actions: The Role of Emotions in Prosocial Behaviours Among the Young Generations", researchers from Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca presented: Engaging Emotions through Art: Young People Tackling Different Learning Environments.
Speakers:
Ilenya Camozzi, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Milano-Bicocca
Zenia Simonella, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Milano-Bicocca
with the participation of Barbara Pizzetti, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Milano-Bicocca
The presentation aimed to explore the relationship between young people, emotions and arts education in formal and informal educational settings by presenting qualitative and visual data collected as part of the The Cultural Literacies' Value in Europe Project, which aims to improve understanding of the value of cultural literacy through arts education for social inclusion.
The 38th InSEA World Congress: Unexpected Territories, Shifting Grounds and Permanence in Art Education
Conference: 17th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Date: 21st - 25th July, 2025
Olomouc hosted The 38th InSEA World Congress named Unexpected Territories, Shifting Grounds and Permanence in Art Education (July 21 - 25). It aimed to promote international dialogue and exchange of experience and expertise in the field of art education and related disciplines.
The CLiViE team from Charles University and University of Helsinki presented five contributions about case studies, Theory of change, art-based education system in the Czech Republic and about the main CLiViE concepts.
Lucie Jakubcová Hajdušková (Charles University) - The Place Where I Live
Abstract: https://www.inseaconference.com/post/lucie-jakubcov%C3%A1-hajdu%C5%A1kov%C3%A1
Zuzana Fišerová (Charles University) - Art Education: Between Vocational and General Education.
Abstract: https://www.inseaconference.com/post/zuzana-fi%C5%A1erov%C3%A1
Magdalena Novotná (Charles University) - Reflective Portfolio in Art Education.
Abstract: https://www.inseaconference.com/post/magdalena-novotn%C3%A1
Kemal Ahson (University of Helsinki) - Measuring What Matters.
Abstract: https://www.inseaconference.com/post/kemal-ahson
Kristýna Říhová (National Gallery Prague), Marie Fulková (Charles University), Eliška Jelínková (National Gallery Prague | The Academy of Fine Arts in Prague), Martin Raudenský (Charles University), Kateřina Matějková (National Gallery Prague | The Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague) - Walking Spaces: Browsing across ATLAS. Territory of Creation and Laboratory of Associative Dreaming.
Abstract: https://www.inseaconference.com/post/krist%C3%BDna-%C5%99%C3%ADhov%C3%A1
The InSEA World Congress took place under the hosting guarantee of the Czech Section of INSEA and the Department of Art Education, Faculty of Education, Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, Europe.
Huge thanks to the Czech Section of INSEA and Palacky University for a warm welcome and a brilliantly organized event!
The preliminary results of the project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE) were presented at the international scientific conference in Spain
Conference: 17th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Date: 30th June 2025 - 2nd July, 2025
From June 30 to July 2, 2025, Associate Professor and Leading Researcher of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Alīna Romanovska, participated in the international scientific conference EDULEARN25, the “17th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies”, with a presentation titled “Assessing the Value of Cultural Literacy: Insights from a Case Study”. In her report, she presented the challenges and results of the case study “The Other in Art and Life” within the Horizon Europe project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE). The case study, conducted in Daugavpils, aims to promote intercultural dialogue between Latvian- and Russian- speaking youth by using art-based education as a tool to strengthen social cohesion. The presentation attracted considerable interest - particularly regarding the innovative methods used to assess non-monetizable outcomes. The research findings provide significant insights into the role of cultural institutions in fostering social cohesion in Europe.
The international scientific conference EDULEARN is held annually in Palma, Spain, and has become one of the most significant education conferences in Europe, bringing together professionals, researchers, and technology experts from around the world. This year, the conference gathered more than 800 participants from 80 countries. The EDULEARN programme included oral and poster presentations, interactive workshops, networking events, as well as plenary sessions led by internationally recognized experts in education.
How Will We Learn Robotics in the Future?
Organizer: Technische Universität München
As part of the 110th anniversary of the Deutsches Museum, Technische Universität München was invited on May 10 to host a workshop focused on the future of robotics learning. Titled "How Will We Learn Robotics in the Future?" participants were invited to imagine and design a robotics learning space of the future using LEGO bricks and a variety of accompanying art materials. We were thrilled to welcome more than 300 visitors- including families, children, teenagers, and young adults- who built and shared their creative visions for future robotic learning environments.
Link to the event
TUMpaed forum
Organizer: Technische Universität München
During the recent TUMpaed forum, CLiViE team members from Technische Universität München showcased their latest case studies as part of the project. This event serves as a crucial exchange platform for researchers, educators, and school leaders, emphasizing the integration of science into educational practices. At the forum, CLiViE case studies were presented, highlighting our efforts to advance scientific literacy among students. It was a significant discussion with professionals committed to leveraging scientific insights for educational excellence.
Presentation of the CLiViE Project on "The Exceptionality in Everyday Life: Breaks, Fears,
and Horizons of Possibility" Conference
Date: February 3rd, 2025
Organizer: AIS-Vita Quotidiana Research Committee, AIS Associazione Italiana di Sociologia
The researchers from Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, presented the CLiViE project at the conference organised by AIS-Vita Quotidiana section from AIS Associazione Italiana di Sociologia in Florence. The event titled "The Exceptionality in Everyday Life: Breaks, Fears, and Horizons of Possibility" provided a vital forum for discussing the outcomes and policy impacts of the CLiViE project also focusing on everyday life transformations, societal shifts, and the sociological effects of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The abstract of the CLiViE presentation was written by Zenia Simonella and Silvia Tarassi from the UNIMIB Team. The conference explored themes such as democratic institutions in globalized contexts, IA, technology and everyday life practices, emotions, intimacy and body, generations and future-time.
Workshop on Social Return on Investment (SROI) for CLiViE Partners
Date: January 27th, 2025
Organizer: SGH Warsaw School of Economics
A significant workshop was conducted by the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), focusing on the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework. This workshop was a pivotal element in the project’s element dedicated to valuing the impact of arts-based education on social cohesion.
SGH representatives introduced a document that will guide CLiViE Partners in calculating the SROI for 28 different case studies within the project which explore the impact of arts education in various parts of Europe.
The training aimed to give partners the skills to apply SROI and understand its importance in showing how arts can improve social connections and education. The results will help shape future policies and promote the value of arts in learning and societal growth.
Presentation of the CLiViE Project on Areopag of Renewable Energy 2024 Conference
Date: December 11th and 12th, 2024
Organizer: Stowarzyszenie na rzecz efektywności im. prof. Krzysztofa Żmijewskiego
Partner: SGH Warsaw School of Economics
Honorary Patronage: Ministry of Climate and Environment, Rector of the Warsaw School of Economics
The 7th edition of Areopag Energetyki Odnawialnej aims to advance renewable energy dialogue in Poland, bringing together key academics and industry leaders. The event focused on fostering dialogue and collaboration for a greener future. One of the highlights was the presentation of the CLiViE Project by Katarzyna Sadowy during the international session. Katarzyna underscored the importance of education—especially through art—in addressing societal challenges and encouraging civic engagement among younger generations.
Presentation of the CLiViE Project on A vision for a systemic cultural education in Lithuania Forum
Date: 4th of December 2024
Organizer: Vytautas Magnus University, the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO and Kūrybinės jungtys
Partners: The Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport in Lithuania, CLiViE Project
The Forum aimed to present the UNESCO Guidelines for Cultural and Artistic Education, adopted at the beginning of this year, to stimulate a dialogue on the concept and value of cultural literacy in contemporary society, and to identify the necessary directions for the development of this field. Experiences and insights were shared by policy makers, academics, and representatives of the non-governmental sector.
Visit the conference's website
Photos: Jonas Petronis