We conducted a course for young community leaders to enhance the inclusion of people with fewer opportunities in cultural events. The selected participants, who were engaged in cultural work, learned about the product cycle of cultural events and acquired skills and knowledge about accessibility requirements in this field. The workshop program was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to create cultural projects that included people from backgrounds previously excluded from cultural life or with limited access to it. Thanks to the involvement of organizations and experts working both in the cultural sphere and with marginalized communities, the knowledge we passed on to future leaders was reliable and up-to-date.

Through our collaboration with the organization Pro Progressione from Budapest, we created forward-looking models for care work in aging societies and for including people from excluded backgrounds in cultural activities. Our partner’s project, Careers in the Common Good, together with our Foundation’s experience in the cultural field, demonstrated that we had the tools and expertise to create a space where young people could develop their skills and competencies. Through this project, we trained new community leaders capable of designing cultural projects that are accessible and safe for all members of society.

For the workshop, we invited 20 people aged 18–30 from Poland and Hungary who were interested in developing themselves in the field of culture and working in pro-social NGOs. Recruitment took place through online applications and interviews. During the project, we held two 5-day series of workshops and meetings – one in Poland and one in Hungary.

Wrocław, 7–11 December 2022

During the 30 hours of workshops in Wrocław (approximately 6 hours/day), participants learned methodologies for working with various social groups with limited access to culture. They explored the structure of NGOs operating in the cultural sector and local community engagement. Polish and Hungarian participants also led mutual guided tours of each other’s cities, promoting cultural exchange and integration. Through shared experiences and open dialogue, they learned about each other’s cultures and explored effective strategies for community engagement.

Accommodation was provided in a youth hostel-style setting with shared community spaces. Evening gatherings included activities such as game nights, open mic sessions, and candlelight talks.

Workshop Program – Wrocław

Team-building, expectations, code of conduct, context & framework

Integration – brainstorming: What do we need to create a better world? – Eszter Boros, project manager, Careers in the Common Good

Cultural sector community leaders in Poland – legal and formal aspects, regional social groups, challenges of community integration

Ethics in international volunteering – principles, benefits, challenges, and how to ensure ethical engagement

Working with senior audiences – tools, approaches, and motivation strategies

Inclusion through culture – designing activities for refugees and youth from marginalized communities

Working with people with disabilities – tools and communication strategies for accessible cultural programming

Evaluation – reflection on workshops, feedback, and planning for the future

Between the Wrocław and Budapest workshops, we held two online sessions for all participants, and participants were able to schedule one-on-one consultations with the project team.

Budapest, 19–23 April 2023

During 30 hours of workshops and meetings (approx. 6 hours/day), participants focused on the creation and management of cultural and social projects, gaining practical skills in these areas. This intercultural exchange also increased their understanding of how NGOs operate and encouraged a discussion on driving social change through culture. Polish and Hungarian groups once again led mutual guided tours of their respective cities to deepen cultural exchange.

Accommodation was in youth hostel-style housing with shared spaces for group activities. Evenings were filled with community-building events like game nights, open mics, and informal conversations.

Workshop Program – Budapest

Integration workshop – brainstorming: What do we need to create a successful project?

Cultural sector community leaders in Hungary – legal and formal aspects, regional social groups, and challenges in integration

Project management – tools and models, including the SMART model, and project evaluation techniques

Leadership skills – training in volunteer group management and leadership development

Social change through art – engaging different communities in artistic projects for change

Working with parents and children – tools and strategies for family-oriented cultural events

Final evaluation – reflection on learning, feedback, and planning how to apply the knowledge in future work