From 24 to 27 May 2026, artists, youth workers, project coordinators, and cultural practitioners from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden gathered in Florence, Italy, for the seminar International Network Development and Regeneration in Artistic Youth Work (INDaRAY26).
Organised by ROOTS & ROUTES Cologne and hosted by Centro di Creazione e Cultura, the seminar provided a space to exchange practices in artistic youth work, discuss emerging social challenges, and explore future directions for international cooperation.
Bringing together professionals from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds, INDaRAY26 fostered dialogue, mutual learning, and collective reflection on the role of arts and creativity in supporting young people and communities.
Throughout the seminar, participants shared experiences from their local contexts and explored a range of topics shaping contemporary youth work. Mental health, community engagement, democracy, social inclusion, intergenerational dialogue, and the growing influence of AI emerged as key themes for discussion and future collaboration.
A central focus of the seminar was the exploration of innovative approaches and project ideas responding to the needs of youth and local communities. Participants presented concepts ranging from artistic methodologies for emotional education and community care to initiatives supporting young artists, strengthening civic participation, fostering intercultural dialogue, and creating new opportunities for youth leadership.
The seminar also strengthened international cooperation between network organisations active in artistic youth work, creating new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of future initiatives.
Beyond the working sessions, we also had the opportunity to connect personally, share perspectives, and build relationships that continue to support cross-border cooperation and learning.
The ideas and conversations initiated in Florence will continue to evolve over the coming months, contributing to future projects, partnerships, and activities that empower youth through creativity, participation, and international exchange.
Artists, youth workers, and cultural practitioners from across Europe gathered in Florence to exchange practices, explore emerging challenges, and develop future collaborations in artistic youth work.