Upon the culmination of a profound four-day artistic confluence in Athens in September 2023, we reflect on a journey that has not only enriched our understanding of the arts but also reinforced our commitment to inclusivity. The “No-One Forgotten” project, a visionary initiative funded by the European Union’s “Creative Europe” program, has brought together a consortium of countries, each contributing their unique flair to a shared narrative of empathy and creativity.
Day One: Uniting for Inclusion
Our journey began with the warmth of the Action Synergy offices. As partners from diverse realms gathered, it wasn’t just a meeting of minds but of hearts, each resonating with the project’s inclusive beat. We delved into introductions, shared our visions, and laid the groundwork for what promises to be a transformative journey in marrying art with accessibility.
Day Two: The Essence of Connection
Hopeart’s Angeliki Voulgari and Vasilis Panagiotidis, like maestros of empathy, guided us through the delicate dance of the “Art of Connection”. We discovered the power of theatre to bridge worlds, learning not just to perform, but to listen, feel, and embrace the silent stories of those with disabilities.
Day Three: Choreographing Compassion
Vo’Arte’s Ana Rita Barata and Bruno Rodrigues orchestrated a ballet of understanding, teaching us how to communicate through the silent poetry of movement. Every gesture, a word; every routine, a sentence in the narrative of inclusivity. We found harmony in the unspoken, and in the shared space of dance, we were all fluent.
Day Four: A Palette of Connection
The final day was a symphony of senses led by the inventive minds of Fred Adam, Geert Vermeire, and the creative team from the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples. We painted our intentions, tuned our perceptions to the collective soundscapes, and explored the potential of technology to weave a tapestry of communal experience, leaving us with a vivid sound map of our journey together.
Angeliki Voulgari from Hopeart shared her special feelings on her social networks:
I feel grateful for the wonderful No One Forgotten program for artists with and without “disabilities” based on the Art of Connection!
Although to be honest I don’t find the definition that describes people with their unique characteristics apt. After all we all have special,unique and unrepeatable characteristics. As is our spirit. Unique and unrepeatable in its conception. Wonderful people from Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Greece!
The initiative’s goal is to harness the dynamic potential within the arts to create a more inclusive society, where individuals with disabilities can engage with and contribute to the cultural fabric. “The Art of Connection” is the methodological heart of this project, offering tools for people in healthcare environments to connect and create alongside others, enhancing social skills, fostering compassion, and nurturing co-creative capacities.
Artists from various disciplines – theatre, music, painting, and dance – are equipped through this training to act as multipliers of change, carrying forward the principles learned into their communities. The program targets not just professional artists but also amateurs who are passionate about using their art to make a difference.
Through days of shared experiences, from the initial meet-and-greet to the immersion in different forms of artistic expression, the participants have embarked on a transformative journey. As they return to their respective countries, they carry with them not just the skills, but also the spirit of the “Art of Connection,” ready to inspire and be inspired by the communities they engage with.
For further details on the “No-One Forgotten” project visit the official website.