Arts, Rights and Papers study session review

Human Rights Education Youth Network in cooperation with Amsterdam City Rights is currently working on their Study Session “Arts, Rights and Papers”. The first phase of the study session took place from May 22 to May 26 at the European Youth Center in Budapest. During the first phase of the project, we gather together young people with experience in activism, arts and communications to share their knowledge and competences in these three key areas.

The main objectives of this study session are to equip participants with innovative methodologies to increase their capacity to advocate for human rights and to promote the use of art as a tool for human rights promotion. The participants of the study session represented a diverse number of regions within the Council of Europe member countries and have previous experience as trainers, artists, advocates or communicators. During the first five days of the study session participants could deepen their understanding of undocumented youth people as a particular group of migrants, their challenges and how they intersect with the rights of other groups.

The first phase of the project explored the topic of migration, human rights challenges of undocumented people, advocacy and inclusion. In addition to this, participants were introduced to artistic tools for advocacy such as storytelling, shadow theater, creative writing, photo voice, filming and storyboard, free style movement, textile art and zine. There was a space in the programme for participants to build their networks, exchange experiences from their organizations and start preparing themselves for the next steps in this study session.

What is next?

Participants will meet in four online sessions that will take place between June and October 2023. During this period participants will start working on their art projects in groups. Experts could be invited to join the online sessions to join the participants according to their needs.

Participants will meet again at the European Youth Center in Budapest between October 25-27, 2023 to finalize their art projects and participate in an art exhibition of their works which will take place in Budapest. The group will work to define dissemination strategies and evaluate the activity.

“Arts, Rights and Papers” is founded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.