The Freedom to Explore a Creative Response to Europe’s Challenges
LIBERTY was an ambitious and innovative artistic response to the challenges faced by the European Union during a time of major change. The project addressed some of the most pressing issues, including refugee movements, social breakdowns, terrorist threats, and the consequences of Brexit. It focused on how creative integration through art and culture could strengthen a sense of identity and belonging—both locally and across Europe.
Led by the UK-based organization ArtReach, LIBERTY brought together 12 cultural partners from 10 European countries, all committed to including young artists under 30 and engaging a young audience. The project actively supported the creation of 75 new artworks, developed by 750 young artists, which were showcased at free events across Europe.
A European Collaboration Through Interdisciplinary Artistic Engagement of Young Artists
LIBERTY established a curatorial and development team that, over three years, fostered collaboration between artists and cultural actors. The project incorporated a range of innovative formats, including Inside Out Performances, processional theater, Liberty Wall-Art, outdoor digital art projects, as well as workshops and seminars. These activities explored the themes of “creative integration and identity” and were presented at festivals, cultural venues, and interdisciplinary art events.
With a strong commitment to audience development and inclusion, LIBERTY focused on engaging marginalized groups, including refugees, people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. The project also made a special effort to prioritize cultural diversity and reach young people within communities.
Culmination and Technological Sharing
The project culminated in a five-month pan-European program from May to September 2022, where the many created works and ideas were widely shared using new technology. The initiative brought together artists, audiences, and cultural actors across borders—both creative and geographical—cementing LIBERTY’s role as a platform for creative integration and dialogue.
LIBERTY left behind a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and cultural cohesion, demonstrating how art and culture can be a driving force for positive change in times of uncertainty.
About the Project
Our Role: Partner
Budget: €1,303,678.72
Duration: 2019 – 2023
Over 250 young artists featured in the Young Artist Portfolio
Artists from 25+ countries
More than 30 free online artist resources for artistic development
75+ new artistic works and performances presented at events throughout the project
Over 2,000,000 LIBERTY EU audience members across European countries
28 festivals, events, performances, and exhibitions
Young artists from 25 European countries in a single portfolio
Partners
ArtReach (UK) (Lead Partner)
Swinging Europe (DK) (Partner)
Altonale GMH (DE) (Partner)
Museo dei Bambini (ITA) (Partner)
CESIE (ITA) (Partner)
Teatru National Radu Stanca Sibiu (ROM) (Partner)
Aalborg Karneval (DK) (Partner)
Center Za Promociju Zdvanh Stilova Zivota (SER) (Partner)
CNC Danse (FR) (Partner)
Pionirski dom – Center za kulturo mladih (SLO) (Partner)
Trafo House of Contemporary Arts (HU) (Partner)
European Educational Exchanges – Youth for Understanding (BEL) (Partner)
Budget & Funding
LIBERTY was supported by Creative Europe.