BRIDGING BALTIC
Young Peoples cultural right in the Baltic Sea Region.
- Thematic cluster:
- Wellbeing
- Programme:
- Central Baltic Programme
- Priority:
- 3. Attractive and dynamic societies
- Direction of support:
- Improving living conditions and social inclusion
- Duration:
- May 2012 - Feb 2014 (1 years, 10 months)
- Total funding:
- 882 498 €
- ERDF funding:
- 681 120 €
- EUSBSR Priority area
- Developing and promoting the common culture and cultural identity
Improving and promoting people’s health, including its social aspects
Development idea
Problems with increased social exclusion among young people can be found across the entire Baltic Sea region, and the cause can be found largely in increased unemployment, low social movement among youth, low education levels and the increased generation gap. A lot of work and great efforts are being used to reduce this alienation, but new methods to succeed at a higher level are needed. Culture can be used in this framework as an instrument, since it directly focuses on developing the ability to feel, hear, interpret and understand.
Aim of the project
The Bridging Baltic project strengthened the connections between the generations as well as between the countries and regions within the Central Baltic region. By setting the focus on common elements of our cultural heritage – such as literature, visual arts, music and handicrafts – the project established the foundation for long-term cooperation to help young people find their place in society. By giving young people the opportunity to learn more about their neighbouring countries’ cultural expressions, they are likely to become curious, hopeful about the future and interested in developing the region together.
Main project activities
Project activities included mapping the various culture-based methods to address social exclusion especially among young people, organising pilot activities to test developed ideas and, finally, publishing a handbook on the findings. Whilst doing all this, the project also simultaneously created a network that will continue the work based on the outcomes of the Bridging Baltic project.
Partners
Gävle Municipality
- Country:
- Sweden
- Region:
- Gävleborg
- ERDF funding:
- 351 856 €
- Amount of eligible national funding:
- 117 287 €
Mascalaca
- Country:
- Latvia
- Region:
- Vidzeme
- ERDF funding:
- 128 560 €
- Amount of eligible national funding:
- 22 688 €
Jõgeva Town Government
- Country:
- Estonia
- Region:
- Kesk-Eesti
- ERDF funding:
- 35 052 €
- Amount of eligible national funding:
- 6 186 €
City of Turku/Cultural services
- Country:
- Finland
- Region:
- Varsinais-Suomi
- ERDF funding:
- 165 652 €
- Amount of eligible national funding:
- 55 217 €
Results
Book "Bridging Baltic: our project - our story!"
The publication introduces eight pilot projects which have focused on the social inclusion of youth, bridging generation gaps and strengthening the identities in the Baltic Sea Region with the help of culture.
The book provides inspiration for cultural workers, politicians and other decision-makers, people who are involved in or who are engaged in the cultural field for children and young people.
