From August 25 to September 3, 2025, young people from Italy, Slovakia, Germany, Serbia, Luxembourg, and participants from KEHSIA gathered for a unique Erasmus+ youth program titled “Art Against Hate Speech.” Hosted in a camp setting, the program combined artistic expression with educational workshops to promote tolerance, empathy, and constructive dialogue among youth across Europe.
The project’s main goal was to show how art can challenge hate speech, both online and offline, while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Over the course of the ten-day program, participants engaged in a variety of workshops and interactive sessions designed to educate, inspire, and empower them to act as agents of positive change in their communities.
One of the highlights of the program was the artistic workshops, which allowed participants to explore different creative mediums while reflecting on the theme of combating hate speech.
These workshops included painting, fashion, and other art-based activities.
Through painting, participants expressed personal stories and messages of inclusion, while fashion workshops encouraged them to design garments that symbolized unity, identity, and acceptance.
KEHSIA played a significant role in enriching the program by bringing in a facilitator who guided participants through practical, hands-on activities. These included sewing, making bread pockets, and creating wool pockets from sheep wool. These sessions not only taught valuable skills but also fostered a sense of collaboration, patience, and appreciation for traditional crafts. Participants learned how art and practical creativity can serve as a bridge for intercultural understanding and meaningful conversations about social issues.
KEHSIA’s involvement added a valuable dimension to the camp experience. The organization provided facilitators who guided practical workshops, through workshops involving sewing, crafting with natural materials, and bread-making. These activities allowed participants to connect hands-on creativity with broader themes of sustainability, tradition, and community engagement. By integrating art and practical skills, KEHSIA helped participants see that combating hate speech is not only about discussion but also about building tangible connections and shared experiences.
Participants left the camp with new skills, perspectives, and friendships that will continue to influence their work and daily lives. The program demonstrated that art is a universal language capable of bridging cultural divides, fostering empathy, and addressing social challenges in meaningful ways. By combining creativity with education, the “Art Against Hate Speech” project provided a safe, inspiring, and collaborative space where young people could learn, reflect, and take action.
The Erasmus+ “Art Against Hate Speech” youth camp was more than a series of workshops; it was an experience of growth, creativity, and connection. By combining art, education, and practical skills, participants discovered innovative ways to challenge hate speech, promote understanding, and inspire action. Through painting, fashion, sewing, and crafting, they explored the intersection of creativity and social responsibility, demonstrating that youth-driven initiatives can make a real difference in building inclusive societies.
As the participants return to their home countries, participants carry not only memories and friendships but also the tools and motivation to create positive change—making the vision of a Europe free from hate speech an ongoing and tangible goal.