Kielce, Poland | 21–25 August 2026
From 21 to 25 August 2026, WALL – Working with Art to Lead and Learn brought its methodology into practice in Kielce, Poland, through WALL IN ACTION, an international training and community-based programme hosted by Regionalne Centrum Wolontariatu w Kielcach.
The activities brought together youth educators, artists and representatives of the five WALL partner organisations: Regionalne Centrum Wolontariatu (Poland), 167/B Street (Italy), Asociación Amigos de Europa (Spain), Craftopia Creative Hub (Greece), and IRARU – IG zur Förderung von Kultur, Integration und soziokulturellen Initiativen (Austria), alongside local young people and residents. The programme created a space to test and experience the WALL approach, which combines street art, music, non-formal education, environmental awareness, social inclusion and community engagement. The project methodology is designed to equip youth workers with creative methods that can engage young people—including those with fewer opportunities—in environmental and social action.
The programme began with orientation and team-building activities and a cultural visit to Chęciny. The following day, participants explored Kielce through its murals, examining how public art can communicate historical, social and environmental messages. Among the works visited was “Nie Mamy Planety B” (“There Is No Planet B”), which opened discussion around pollution, climate awareness and our collective responsibility towards the environment.
On 23 August, WALL IN ACTION moved into the city centre with an open programme of creative workshops and participatory activities. Children, young people, adults and older residents were invited to create together through paper art, handmade musical instruments, origami, spray-paint activities, music and movement. Reflecting the project’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, the international programme also supported the participation of parents travelling with their children, enabling them to take part in the activities without family responsibilities becoming a barrier to international mobility. The event demonstrated an important principle of the WALL methodology: artistic activities can offer flexible and inclusive ways for people of different ages, backgrounds and life circumstances to participate, communicate and learn together.
On 24 August, WALL IN ACTION continued at Baza Zbożowa, where street art took centre stage. Artists worked in public while visitors had the opportunity to discover graffiti techniques, experiment creatively and contribute to the artistic process. The programme brought together street art, music and community participation, transforming the cultural space into an open environment for artistic expression and exchange. The event took place under the patronage of the President of the City of Kielce.
More than a public arts event, WALL IN ACTION served as a practical testing ground for the methodology currently being developed by the WALL partnership. Through real-life artistic and educational activities, youth educators were able to explore how creative methods can turn environmental themes into participatory learning experiences and encourage dialogue between young people and their communities. This practical testing is an integral part of the project, allowing the partners to evaluate and further refine the methodology.
The experience gained in Kielce will contribute to the development of the project’s two practical guidebooks, providing youth workers and young people with methodologies, activity scenarios, workshop plans, examples and supporting materials for combining art, environmental education and inclusive youth work.
Wall in Action concluded on 25 August with a joint evaluation, providing space for reflection, feedback and exchange among participants.
WALL IN ACTION showed how art can move beyond awareness and become a process of participation: connecting young people, educators, artists and communities around environmental and social challenges.
WALL – Working with Art to Lead and Learn
Project ID: KA220-YOU-A47D6614
Project duration: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2027 (24 months).
Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme | Cooperation Partnerships in Youth (KA220-YOU)
