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CLiViE in Daugavpils: Exploring Cultural Literacy and the Impact of Arts Education
On 20 October 2026, 14 educators took part in the CLiViE professional development programme Art Works for Change at Daugavpils Secondary School of Opportunities, led by Oksana Kovzele and Maija Grizāne.
The session introduced the Educator Toolkit, Theory of Change and Social Return on Investment, exploring how these approaches can help educators plan and evaluate arts-based activities. Participants also discovered findings from four Latvian CLiViE case studies.
Hands-on activities included a game on Polish cultural heritage and a wax candle-making workshop. Educators described their experience through words such as “creativity”, “joy”, “self-expression” and “ideas”, highlighting the value of creative work for teachers and pupils alike.
CLiViE at an Erasmus+ Exchange: Exploring the Social Impact of Cultural and Non-Formal Education
On 16 October, the CLiViE project was presented as part of an Erasmus+ exchange programme involving Helsinki YMCA (HNMKY). The session brought together professionals from municipalities, organisations, youth work, psychology, and other related fields. The presentation introduced CLiViE’s objectives, showcased HNMKY’s case studies, and explored how the social impact of cultural and non-formal educational activities can be evaluated and communicated. Participants were also introduced to the CLiViE toolkit and its potential applications in their own professional work.
CLiViE at YMCA Finland’s Staff Days: Exploring the Social Value of Cultural Activities
On 6 October, the CLiViE project was presented as part of YMCA Finland’s national Staff Days, bringing together YMCA professionals from across Finland. The session introduced the project’s objectives, showcased HNMKY’s case studies, and explored how cultural and non-formal educational activities can create measurable social value. The presentation also introduced the CLiViE toolkit and its potential use in evaluating, demonstrating, and communicating the impact of YMCA activities.
CLiViE in Potsdam: Exploring the Value of Arts and Cultural Education
In September 2026, the TUM CLiViE team hosted a professional development (PDP) event in Potsdam, Germany, bringing together 13 formal educators to explore the work of CLiViE and introduce our new Educator Toolkit.
We were delighted to be joined by one of our school partners from Munich International School, who shared valuable insights into what our collaboration and the project's work looks like in their educational setting.
The interactive session explored how we can better value and evaluate the benefits of arts and cultural education for young people. Educators also had the chance to get making themselves by trying out one of the activities featured in TUM's case study #3: Stitching Social Solutions. It was a lively and engaging session, full of ideas, discussion, reflection and practical inspiration - and the best part? The event was so well received that we were invited to organise a follow-up session for colleagues, now being planned for December 2026! A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the morning!
Five Activities, One Goal: CLiViE at Researchers’ Night in Daugavpils
On 25 September, CLiViE took part in Researchers’ Night at Daugavpils University, an event that welcomed approximately 2,900 visitors. Through five diverse activities, participants explored cultural literacy through research, arts-based education, martial arts, creativity and shared experience.
The programme included demonstrations and hands-on activities focused on taekwondo, kendo and Eastern martial arts, as well as the Future University Laboratory, where visitors imagined what Daugavpils University could look like in 20, 50 or even 100 years.
The travelling CLiViE exhibition also presented research findings and examples of arts-based education from across Europe. Visitors were invited to contribute their own reflections by sharing an art-related experience they remember with particular joy.
Together, the activities reflected one of CLiViE’s central ideas: cultural literacy develops through experience, dialogue and shared activity, helping to strengthen mutual understanding, belonging and social cohesion.
CLiViE Online Workshop: Exploring the Value of Cultural Education
On 24 September 2026, CLiViE held a free online professional development event for teachers and other education professionals, exploring how cultural education can support student engagement and strengthen a sense of community.
The session shared experiences and outcomes from cultural activities delivered within the CLiViE project, with a focus on digital storytelling and filmmaking. It explored how these approaches can help students express their experiences, understand one another better and build collaboration.
Participants were also introduced to Social Return on Investment (SROI) as a method for evaluating the social value and impact of cultural education. A closing discussion considered how these ideas could be applied in everyday educational practice.
The two-hour event took place via MS Teams, with professional development certificates available to participants.
CLiViE SROI Workshop at Warsaw School of Economics: How to Effectively Measure the Value of Cultural Projects?
The Polish workshops of the CLiViE project are held under the Honorary Patronage of the National Centre for Culture (NCK).
How do we prove that arts-based activities are a deeply impactful investment that builds competencies, relationships, and a sense of agency? On September 22, 2026, at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics took place the workshop "How to measure and show the value of arts-based projects?", organized as part of the CLiViE Project.
A huge thank you to all the participants - educators, cultural managers, researchers, and NGO representatives for attendance and engaging, substantive discussions.
During the meeting, SGH CLiViE Team: Grzegorz Maśloch, Katarzyna Sadowy and Kamil Flig showcased the practical application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method. They focused on bridging the gap between theory and practice in evaluating the impact of cultural and educational activities. This methodology helps account not just for financial costs, but for the broader social and emotional value that is often overlooked in traditional reporting.
Key highlights from our work together:
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Mapping stakeholders and defining genuine change
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Calculating the SROI based on one of the CLiViE Case Studies
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Communicating the value of these activities in a way that is clear and persuasive to partners, institutions, and grantors
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Toolkit for educators
We are thrilled to see how the knowledge shared during the SGH workshop is inspiring participants to implement these solutions in their own projects.
Photos: Aleksander Jura
CLiViE at Edufest: Young Voices at the Heart of Cultural Education
On the 19th of September, CLiViE team joined Edufest, organised by the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, to lead a half-day programme developed as part of the CLiViE project.
The programme opened with a pop-up exhibition inviting Edufest participants and gallery visitors to explore the case studies developed by our team and project partners. These examples of cultural education in practice set the scene for the discussion that followed.
Young people’s voices were at the heart of the conversation. What do they need from cultural education, and which experiences matter most to them? The discussion offered an opportunity to hear participants’ own perspectives, alongside those of the communities they represent.
The speakers were:
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Gabija Bilinskaitė, a student who participated in one of our case studies;
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Aurora Degėsytė, a first-year film directing student and host of a podcast for young audiences;
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Tėja Lukošiūtė, Board Member of the Lithuanian School Students’ Union;
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Gintė Marija Ivanauskienė, a researcher at the Institute of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, and a creative practitioner at Kūrybinės jungtys.
Photos by Gintarė Grigėnaitė
CLiViE in Practice: Exploring the Toolkit with Creative Practitioners
On the 16th of September, we met with our community of creative practitioners to present the findings of the CLiViE project and the four case studies we had conducted.
During the practical part of our presentation, together with creative practitioners, we explored and tried out some parts of the toolkit and discussed how it could be applied in their practice and in the work of the organisations they work with.
This exploration was followed by one of the practitioners and artists, Eglė Gudonytė, who led a practical session from one of the case studies on how to start a conversation between children and adults.
When research moved beyond academia
From 27 August to 17 September 2026, the CLiViE pop-up exhibition was presented at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), bringing international research on cultural literacy, arts-based education and social inclusion into the university space.
During its three weeks at RSU, the exhibition introduced students, researchers and other visitors to the project’s objectives, research approach and key activities. It demonstrated how arts-based educational practices could support cultural literacy, social justice, inclusion and meaningful participation among young people, while also offering an accessible introduction to the research methodologies developed within the project.
An important part of the exhibition was its interactive section, which invited visitors to contribute their own perspectives. By scanning a QR code, participants could share their thoughts on art and arts-based education through video or voice recordings. These contributions supported CLiViE’s broader efforts to understand how people across Europe perceived the role of art in education and society.
Throughout the exhibition period, the display provided a space for learning, reflection and discussion. It gave visitors an opportunity not only to discover the project’s research, but also to consider how academic knowledge could connect with everyday experiences and wider societal challenges.
For the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences and the Social Sciences Research Centre, hosting the exhibition reflected an important dimension of academic research: its ability to move beyond academia, create opportunities for dialogue and connect research findings with wider audiences.
The CLiViE pop-up exhibition at RSU showed how research could become a platform for engagement - encouraging conversations about the role of culture, education and the arts in building more inclusive and socially cohesive European societies.
Photo: Faculty of Social Sciences
Rothko Museum Explores the Value of Change Created by Culture
On 14 September, the Rothko Museum hosted a professional development seminar devoted to “Art Works for Change,” a toolkit developed within the Horizon Europe project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE). The seminar brought together 14 museum employees, who explored practical approaches to identifying and assessing the changes generated by cultural and artistic activities.
The seminar was led by Alīna Romanovska, Associate Professor at Daugavpils University and CLiViE Project Leader at DU. She presented the case study “The Other in Art and Life,” implemented at the Rothko Museum, describing its activities and key findings. The study demonstrates that museum-based activities generate not only social value but also measurable economic value. Within the project, this value was assessed using the Theory of Change (ToC) and Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis.
The SROI method attracted particular interest among the participants, as it makes it possible not only to describe the changes created by cultural activities but also to express them through specific, evidence-based indicators. During the practical part of the seminar, museum employees analysed the benefits and changes generated through the museum’s everyday work.
The museum’s management was also interested in the findings of similar case studies conducted in other CLiViE project countries. Learning that all 28 project case studies had produced positive SROI results gave the museum representatives greater confidence in the practical value of this method. SROI calculations can become a valuable tool in discussions with policymakers at both municipal and national levels, helping cultural institutions demonstrate the value of cultural literacy and provide evidence-based justification for increased funding for the cultural sector.
The seminar encouraged participants to view the museum’s work from a different perspective: its social and economic value cannot be measured solely by visitor numbers. It is also reflected in people’s experiences, newly acquired knowledge, emotional well-being, and ability to understand themselves and others more deeply.
How to Measure the Impact of Cultural Projects? Insights from the CLiViE Toolkit dissemination event organized by HNMKY
The dissemination event on 11 September took place in the context of an Erasmus+ project, in collaboration with Finnish partner organisation Aktivelink Finland and partner organisations from Georgia, Albania, Italy and Spain. The event brought together 26 participants, consisting of organisational workers from the partner countries.
The session introduced the CLiViE project and its case studies, with a focus on how the value and impact of cultural and creative projects can be identified and assessed. We also presented the CLiViE toolkit and discussed how it could be used in participants’ own organisations and future projects.
Photos: Kevin Buy
CLIVIE Project Presents Key Findings at the ESA Conference 2026
The CLIVIE project team from Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca recently participated in the European Sociological Association (ESA) Conference 2026, where new insights derived from data collected in Italy was shared. Researchers contributed to the ongoing academic dialogue surrounding education and sociology through two distinct presentations:
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Arts-based Learning in the Italian Context: Continuities and Discontinuities Between Formal and Non-Formal Settings (Barbara Pizzetti, Ilenya Camozzi, Zenia Simonella, and Silvia Tarassi)
This presentation provided a comparative analysis of arts-based education, exploring the distinct dynamics, continuities, and gaps between formal and non-formal educational environments in Italy.
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Doing Reflexivity: Ethics and Power in Researching Young People Involved in Arts-Based Education (Zenia Simonella, Ilenya Camozzi, and Barbara Pizzetti)
This intervention addressed the complex ethical and methodological issues that arise when conducting research with socially disadvantaged children.
CLiViE at the 4th International Conference of Scuola Democratica in Rome
From 1 to 4 September 2026, CLiViE partner Charles University participated in the 4th International Conference of Scuola Democratica, held at Sapienza University in Rome.
Under the theme “Learning for Democracy / Democracy for Learning”, the conference brought together international researchers, scholars and educators to explore the relationship between education, democracy and social inclusion.
Representing Charles University, V. Fremlová contributed with a presentation titled “The Předlice Suburb Through the Eyes of Children. The Role of Art Education in a Low-threshold Club in the Socially Excluded Locality in the Czech Republic.”
The presentation was part of panel H.13, “Is There a Role for Arts-based Education in Tackling Educational Poverty and Social Exclusion?”, which explored the potential of arts-based educational approaches to address inequalities and support more inclusive learning environments.
The contribution highlighted the role of art education in working with children in socially excluded communities, offering a perspective on how creative practices can support participation and educational opportunities.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to exchange research findings and perspectives on the role of education in building more inclusive and democratic societies.
For CLiViE, participation in international academic discussions contributes to the wider exchange of knowledge on the potential of arts-based education to support young people and strengthen social inclusion across Europe.
Rome, Italy
1-4/09/2026
Is There a Role for Arts-based Education in Tackling Educational Poverty and Social Exclusion?
The CLiViE research findings were presented during the Learning for Democracy conference in Rome.
The panel, coordinated by lenya Camozzi (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy), Kemal Ahson (University of Helsinki) and Zenia Simonella (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy), brought together scholars and CLiViE Partners from Daugavpils University, Rīga Stradiņš University and Charles University who are exploring the topic of arts-based education in national and European projects. The presentations highlighted the important role that art can play in educational processes to promote inclusion and democracy.
Rome, Italy
1-4/09/2026
CLiViE Research Presented at the VIII SISCC Conference in Rome
CLiViE researchers took part in the VIII Conference of the Italian Scientific Society of Sociology, Culture and Communication (SISCC), held in Rome from 17 to 19 June 2026. During the conference, they presented findings from case studies developed within the project, focusing on the role of artistic practices in supporting young people, social inclusion and processes of belonging.
On 18 June, Barbara Pizzetti and Silvia Tarassi from the Department of Sociology and Social Research at the University of Milano-Bicocca presented the paper “Il rap come strumento educativo e di rielaborazione simbolica: un caso studio a Milano” (Rap as an Educational Tool and a Vehicle for Symbolic Reprocessing: A Case Study in Milan) as part of the panel “Giovani e pratiche espressive” (Young People and Expressive Practices).
Their contribution explored a rap workshop carried out in a multicultural neighbourhood on the outskirts of Milan. The presentation highlighted how rap can function as an educational tool that connects cultural production, identity and community. The case study showed that the workshop generated effects on multiple levels, including professional development, socio-relational dynamics and symbolic reprocessing.
On 19 June, Ilenya Camozzi and Barbara Pizzetti, also from the University of Milano-Bicocca, presented the paper “Art attack! L’arte come pratica d’appartenenza e riconoscimento nei giovani con background migratorio” (Art Attack! Art as a Practice of Belonging and Recognition among Young People with a Migratory Background) in the panel “Ripensare l’educazione nella crisi. L’arte come narrazione e pedagogia per la giustizia ecologica e sociale” (Rethinking Education in Times of Crisis: Art as Narrative and Pedagogy for Ecological and Social Justice).
This presentation focused on free arts workshops in dance, theatre, music and visual arts for adolescents aged 11 to 18, mainly taking place in a multicultural peripheral neighbourhood of Milan. The contribution examined how artistic practices can foster different forms of belonging — territorial, intercultural, relational and communal — while supporting recognition and social inclusion among young people and families with a migratory background.
The presentations demonstrated how the CLiViE project contributes to current debates on the educational, social and symbolic value of arts-based practices, particularly in culturally diverse urban contexts.
The CLiViE Pop-Up Exhibition Arrives in Riga!
Visitors can dive into CLiViE key research insights alongside inspiring case studies and real-world stories from seven partner countries. Together, these displays showcase the transformative impact of creativity and active participation in empowering young people and strengthening local communities.
Details
Dates: 27 August - 17 September, 2026
Opening Hours: 09.00-17.00
Location: Rīga Stradiņš University, Faculty of Social Sciences
Echoes of Touch
Echoes of Touch is a student exhibition developed at the Department of Art Education, Faculty of Education, Charles University, within the seminars Studio 2 and Studio II: Contexts of Art, taught in the summer semester of 2025/2026 by Mgr. Vendula Fremlová, Ph.D., and doc. MgA. Michal Sedlák, Ph.D.
The exhibition explores the haptic experience - the experience of touch in art - as a fundamentally important dimension in an era dominated by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. It invites reflection on touch as a tool for cognition, communication and artistic creation: a way of connecting the body, emotion, hand, material and artwork.
Through a range of student approaches and works, Echoes of Touch highlights artistic practices that move beyond instant, surface-level modes of perception. Instead, the exhibition points toward slower, embodied and emotionally engaged ways of knowing and understanding the world.
The participating students were involved in the CLiViE Community of Practice, as one of their supervising teachers leads Case Study “Co všechno je mesto? / What is a city all about?”. Both the course and the exhibition are part of CLiViE’s dissemination and public outreach activities, contributing to the project’s wider mission of strengthening cultural literacy and arts education across Europe.
CLiViE Meets Youth in Helsinki
In May 2026, Helsinki YMCA presented the latest research results on youth well-being and participation in cultural activities during several events in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
As part of these activities, the CLiViE pop-up exhibition was displayed at the World Village Festival on 16 May, alongside the programme of YMCA Finland. The exhibition was then presented at Namika Arena during the Helsinki Basketball Festival on 16 and 17 May.
The CLiViE pop-up exhibition provided valuable insights supporting the development of cultural youth work. It also helped raise awareness and spark conversations about the impact of informal arts, cultural and sports activities on young people’s well-being, participation and sense of belonging.
The project was also introduced to young participants of an Erasmus+ youth exchange programme from Greece, Finland and Belgium, creating an opportunity to share the CLiViE perspective with an international group of young people.
Photos: Kevin Buy
Third edition of the CLiViE Pop-Up Exhibition
On 28-29 April 2026, the third edition of the CLiViE Pop-Up Exhibition took place at SGH Warsaw School of Economics in Warsaw.
The exhibition once again highlighted the important role of arts education in the development of young people across Europe. Visitors had the opportunity to explore key research findings, as well as inspiring stories and case studies from 7 partner countries, demonstrating how creativity and participation can shape lives and strengthen communities.
The event coincided with the CLiViE General Assembly, which brought together project partners from across Europe to review progress, exchange insights and plan the next stages of the project. This alignment of exhibition and partnership meeting created a meaningful space where research, practice and collaboration could come together.
CLiViE Project Showcases Inspiring Research at the 68th International Scientific Conference of Daugavpils University
On April 9–10, 2026, the 68th International Scientific Conference of Daugavpils University brought together over 200 researchers from across the globe, creating a vibrant space for knowledge exchange and new ideas.
As part of the session “Educational Sciences, Psychology, and Sports,” researchers Ludmila Aleksejeva, Dzintra Iliško, and Alīna Romanovska presented insights from the Horizon Europe project “The Value of Cultural Literacy in Europe” (CLiViE). Their presentation, “Arts-Based Learning as a Pathway to Creativity and Inclusion in Informal Makerspaces,” highlighted innovative approaches to learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
The presentation captured strong interest from the audience and sparked engaging discussions on the growing importance of arts-based learning in today’s educational landscape. The researchers emphasized how such approaches can foster inclusive environments, nurture creativity, strengthen a sense of belonging, and develop essential skills for the 21st century.
By showcasing its interim results, the CLiViE project demonstrated the transformative potential of arts-based learning as a powerful tool for promoting creativity, collaboration, and inclusion in diverse learning environments.
Research knowledge moves into practice: The CLIVIE project introduced itself to the staff of Helsinki YMCA
The staff of Helsinki YMCA gathered on Friday, April 17, to hear the latest research results on youth well-being and participation. The focus was on the CLIVIE project, which provides valuable information to support the development of cultural youth work.
Over a hundred youth work professionals filled the hall as the results of the CLIVIE project and their practical applications were presented at the staff event of Helsinki YMCA. The presentation delved into how the knowledge accumulated during the research journey can be directly applied to everyday youth work.
Research is a tool, not just statistics
During the day, the importance of research knowledge in demonstrating and developing the effectiveness of activities was emphasized. The CLIVIE project examines the lives of young people and the factors affecting them in a multifaceted way, and bringing the results close to practical implementers was considered extremely important.
"It is essential that research does not remain only between the covers, but moves to where young people are met," Jyrki Eräkorpi stated at the event. Communal learning The large number of participants present – over a hundred youth work professionals – demonstrated that the need for researched information is great. In the discussions, consideration was given to how the project's observations can help understand the current challenges of young people and strengthen their agency in the Helsinki area. The Helsinki YMCA thanks everyone for their active participation and continues its work for the benefit of young people, now equipped with an even stronger knowledge base.
How Do We Munch on Culture? An Open Meeting on Art and Cultural Education
The Department of Art Education at the Faculty of Education, Charles University in Prague, and the Department of Art Culture and Textile Creation at the Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové, warmly invite educators and cultural practitioners to an open discussion on art education and cultural literacy on 14 April.
Are we living in a cultural vacuum - or a bubble? How do we value art education, and what does cultural literacy mean today? Together, we will explore these questions, share experiences and reflect on the connections between artistic practice, education and teacher development.
The discussion will focus on:
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Communities of practice: sharing and comparing approaches and activity models used at the Department of Art Education.
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Cultural competencies and literacies: exploring the relationship between fine arts, art education and cultural literacy.
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Teacher development: reflecting on the quality of teacher education, professional competencies and practical experience.
Moderators: Katarína Přikrylová, Marie Fulková, Magdalena Novotná, Lucie Jakubcová and Jan Pfeiffer.
CLiViE Project Presented at the International Conference “Social Sciences for Regional Development 2025”
As part of the conference programme, the Horizon Europe project CLiViE (Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe) was presented in the session:
“Practicing, Evaluating, and Valuing Cultural Literacy: The CLiViE Project’s Contribution to Social Cohesion”
by Anita Stašulāne, Alīna Romanovska, and Irina Presnakova (Daugavpils University).
The presentation focused on advancing the understanding of cultural literacy as a measurable contributor to social cohesion. It introduced key methodological frameworks used within the project, including Theory of Change (ToC) and Social Return on Investment (SROI), which enable the assessment of social impact generated through arts-based education.
The project aligns with the UNESCO Global Citizenship Education framework, emphasising the importance of identity, respect for diversity, and social inclusion.
Particular attention was given to the case study “Together We Rise”, which explores the role of culture and sport in shaping identity, strengthening relationships, and fostering community resilience.
By combining research methodologies with practical case studies, CLiViE demonstrates how cultural literacy can be both experienced and evaluated as a driver of social impact, contributing to more inclusive and cohesive societies across Europe.
IHSS Leading Researcher Presents CLiViE Project at Teachers’ Forum in Daugavpils
On 10 March 2026, the teachers’ experience-sharing forum “Inspiration. Innovation. Growth.” took place at Daugavpils Technology Secondary School-Lyceum, bringing together over 260 education professionals, including teachers, school leaders, and sector experts from across the Latgale region.
During the event, Dr Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa, a leading researcher at Daugavpils University and Head of the study field Education and Pedagogy, presented the Horizon Europe project CLiViE (Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe).
Key outputs of the presentation included 28 case studies, academic publications, and practical tools for assessing cultural literacy, which will be made available by mid-2026. In addition, a series of methodological workshops is planned for autumn 2026 to support educators in applying these tools in practice.
The presentation highlighted the important role of Daugavpils University in advancing educational innovation and emphasised the project’s potential to strengthen collaboration between the education and cultural sectors across Europe.
CLiViE presents at the Nordic Educational Research Association (NERA) conference
The CLiViE project presented some findings at a joint Symposium at the Nordic Educational Research Association (NERA) conference in Aarhus, Denmark on the 4 March 2026.
This symposium brought together perspectives from the three Horizon Europe projects d@rts (dialoguing@rts – Advancing Cultural Literacy for Social Inclusion through Dialogical Arts Education; 2024–2027), CLiViE (Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe; 2024–2027), and EXPECT_Art (EXPloring and Educating Cultural literacy Through Art; 2024–2026) on arts and education as vehicle of change in a social justice perspective.
The three projects comprise the cluster of projects on Cultural Literacy under HORIZON Pilar II. Under the broad title of 'Arts education and social justice – initial findings from three EU Horizon projects', the CLiViE presentation looked at how ‘facts’, ‘figures’ and ‘feelings’ can be drawn together through art-based practices and maps.
Second Pop-up Exhibition
On 5 February 2026, a pop-up exhibition of the CLiViE European project took place at the National Gallery of Art.
The exhibition explored the impact of arts and cultural education on social cohesion, translating CLiViE’s research outcomes into an accessible, spatial format. The pop-up installation consisted of 10 exhibition towers.
Seven country towers represented the project’s partner countries: Poland, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia and Czech Republic. Three thought-provoking towers invited visitors to reflect on fundamental questions at the heart of the project.
Designed as a temporary, open and participatory format, the exhibition encouraged visitors to reflect on shared European values and the role of arts education in fostering understanding, empathy and social cohesion across borders.
In the coming months, the CLiViE pop-up exhibition will continue its journey and travel to Poland, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia and the Czech Republic, engaging new audiences across Europe.
We would like to warmly thank the National Gallery of Art in Vilnius for hosting the exhibition and for welcoming CLiViE as a guest in their space.
Graphic design: Marcin Łagocki
Photos: Kevin Buy
An international conference “Art as an Agent of Change: Cultural Literacy for Societal Resilience” will take place at RSU
Arts education is an interdisciplinary field that brings together creative, social, and critical skills. In today’s social and geopolitical context, it gains particular importance by strengthening societal resilience, critical thinking, cultural literacy, and social cohesion. Although the cultural and arts sector is often marginalised in political agendas, its impact on democracy, youth development, and communities is significant.
The conference “Art as an Agent of Change: Cultural Literacy for Societal Resilience”, taking place on 22 April 2026, will bring together educators, researchers, artists, and cultural policy-makers to examine the potential of arts education and emerging practices in Europe and Latvia. The event is organised within the CLiViE project.
Main thematic directions of the conference:
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Cultural literacy and social cohesion: theoretical and practical aspects;
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Determining the value of arts education: Theory of Change and Social Return on Investment (SROI) approaches;
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The arts educator as an agent of change: innovative pedagogical approaches for promoting social justice and inclusion;
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Arts education policy: arguments and strategies in an era dominated by military and economic security issues;
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Best-practice examples in arts and cultural education in Europe and Latvia.
Applications for conference participation may be submitted until 22 March. Registration for conference attendance is open until 17 April. More information about the conference and registration is available here.
Cultural Literacy in the Shadow of a Security Crisis
On 16 December 2025, the CLiViE team of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) organized a public discussion titled Cultural Literacy in the Shadow of a Security Crisis, held at the RSU premises in Riga.
The discussion brought together leading voices from Latvia’s cultural and academic sectors, including Professor Andris Teikmanis (Art Academy of Latvia), Solvita Krese (Director of the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art), Anda Laķe (Vice-Rector for Research at the Latvian Academy of Culture), and theatre and film director Krista Burāne. The event was moderated by RSU Associate Professor Ilva Skulte and attended by RSU students as well as members of the wider public.
The conversation addressed the role of cultural literacy in times of political instability and security challenges. Drawing on historical and contemporary perspectives, speakers emphasized that societies with a strong cultural identity are more resilient and better equipped to respond to crises. Skills developed through arts education - such as critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and media literacy - were highlighted as essential elements of long-term societal security.
The discussion also explored the risks of reducing cultural and arts funding when political priorities shift toward military and social security. While such cuts may appear to bring short-term savings, they can weaken social cohesion and increase long-term security risks. Particular attention was given to the issue of social “bubbles” and the exclusion of certain groups - such as Russian-speaking families and lower-income communities - from cultural participation.
The discussion concluded that cultural literacy should not be treated as an optional addition, but as a strategic necessity. Investment in arts education and inclusive cultural initiatives is an investment in social resilience, shared values, and democratic security.
All that is Předlice?
On Tuesday, 16 December, an unofficial opening of the exhibition "All that is Předlice?" took place at Tachovské Square in Prague. The exhibited photographs present Předlice through the eyes of children from the low-threshold youth club Mixér.
The photographs were created during workshops held with the participation of Vendula Fremlová and Laura Hejtmánková (Faculty of Education, Charles University in Prague), Radka Marková (Člověk v tísni, o.p.s.), Martina Kárová, and Tereza Květoňová (the project of the upcoming book What Is the City?).
The exhibition is one of the outcomes of the international project CLiViE - Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe, implemented on the Czech side by the Department of Art Education, Faculty of Education, Charles University in Prague, and supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.
A Map of Meaning!
As our twenty eight case studies come to a conclusion, and we begin to calculate the social return on investment (SROI) of the art-based education and cultural activities, it is worth noting that one of the key aspects of our work - the emotional cartography - is bearing fruit! The CLiViE project is creating two sets of maps: bottom-up co-created 'maps of meaning' with stakeholders and beneficiaries around the case studies (which will be presented in Deliverable 4.2) and top-down maps which provide
a cartographic representation of the case study and SROI calculation (which will be presented in Deliverable 5.2). To kick start this second series of maps we have produced an overview map of 'cultural literacies' of the twenty eight case studies to help navigate the emerging maps of meaning. The map was produced by Aino Aarnio from the University of Helsinki team.
CLiViE Pop-up Exhibition
The first pop-up exhibition of the CLiViE project at Hala Koszyki has come to an end, marking an important moment in our international exploration of the role of arts education in the lives of young people across Europe. The event drew numerous visitors, partners and supporters, creating a space for meaningful conversations about creativity, community engagement and the educational impact of artistic practice.
During the exhibition, we presented the main objectives of the CLiViE project as well as the key findings from the case study “Sewing Machine”, implemented by Sinfonia Varsovia in cooperation with the Praga Cultural Centre. This initiative gave young creators the opportunity to transform recycled clothing into bold, expressive artistic statements. Guided by experienced mentor, participants experimented with sewing, painting and fashion design, ultimately producing unique works - each becoming a distinct story and a reflection of their personal vision.
We are grateful to everyone who visited the exhibition and contributed to the discussion on how the arts can shape the development, confidence and creative independence of young people.
With the Warsaw edition now completed, the CLiViE exhibition continues its European journey.
Our next stop: Vilnius.
Exhibition concept: Wiktoria Bloch, Karolina Sajniak-Drzyzga, Zofia Soboń
Graphic Designer: Dominika Hallada
CLiViE at the Munich STEM Conference | Arts-based Approaches to STEM Education
On 28 November 2025, as part of the Munich STEM Conference held at the Deutsches Museum, the TUM CLiViE team delivered a hands-on workshop for local STEM teachers. The session presented CLiViE Case Study 3, Stitching Social Solutions with E-Textiles and AI, demonstrating how arts-based and interdisciplinary approaches can make STEM education more accessible, creative and relevant for diverse learners.
During the workshop, participants experimented with e-textiles, explored simple AI tools and discussed practical strategies that can be directly implemented in classroom settings. Particular attention was given to empowering young people - especially girls - to see themselves as confident creators, designers and problem-solvers.
The event highlighted the potential of arts-based methods to broaden participation in STEM and to support more inclusive and engaging learning environments.
Closing Event: “Voices of Us” - a CLiViE Case Study by HNMKY
From June to November 2025, ten teenagers who didn’t know each other joined a HNMKY workshop series called “Voices of Us” in Helsinki - Finland. The 15 workshops series focused on audio visual production and story telling and invited participants to create their own short film. During this 6 month period, they embraced a collective creative production adventure, including music and photography workshops, writing and screenwriting exercises, production, costume design, acting and editing to name a few. The short film was the heart of the workshop series as all the sessions were built to guide the process of creating a collaborative piece of art. The short film was presented on the Kino Regina screen at Oodi on 2nd December 2025 along with a short presentation of the SROI result of the previous HNMKY case study. The event highlighted how arts-based learning can foster relationships, increase a common sense of belongingness and inspire a generation of young creatives.
Photos: Kevin Buy
CLiViE Discussion: Creative Transfers and Connections
How can cultural education shape social change, and what shifts occur when these conversations move beyond the capital?
On 13 November 2025, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) CLiViE team hosted “Creative Transfers and Connections: Cultural Education and Social Change” at RTU Liepāja Academy.
Participants in the discussion included Anna Priedola, Head of the Bachelor’s programme “New Media Art”; Līga Kvāše, an expert in music education; Inta Šoriņa, Chair of the Board of the Foundation Liepāja 2027; Liesma Ose, Lecturer at the University of Latvia and expert on human rights and intercultural communication; and Alnis Stakle, RSU Lecturer and artist. The discussion was moderated by RSU Associate Professor Ilva Skulte. The event was attended by students and faculty of RTU Liepāja Academy, as well as representatives from Liepāja’s cultural education and arts sectors.
Speakers emphasised that arts projects can strengthen social cohesion and support the inclusion of diverse groups. Latvia already shows many successful examples, and Liepāja’s European Capital of Culture 2027 programme highlights socially engaged art working with marginalised communities.
At the same time, sustainability in artistic professions remains a challenge, often forcing young creators to rely on additional income. This tension - between the recognised social value of the arts and the difficulty of sustaining artistic careers- underscores the need for stronger systemic support and a shift in public discourse toward viewing art as essential to social development.
The discussion also highlighted the broader importance of creative thinking fostered through arts education - an increasingly vital 21st-century competence across all fields.
Bringing the event to Liepāja marked an important step toward decentralised, inclusive cultural education. Strengthening regional dialogue and cross-sector cooperation can help ensure that cultural education contributes to social cohesion and sustainable development across Latvia.
This discussion is one of many CLiViE efforts across Europe exploring how cultural education can support more cohesive and engaged societies.
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