he INTARTS Project, which stands for “Integration through Creative Arts: Fostering Cross-Cultural Harmony,” is focused on helping migrants and refugees integrate into European communities by using creative arts as a medium for connection and understanding. The project aims to create partnerships among various organizations, including NGOs and youth centers, to promote social cohesion and cultural exchange.

One of the primary objectives of the INTARTS Project is to develop training materials specifically designed for youth workers, migrants, and refugees. These materials will focus on creative art methodologies that can enhance youth work skills. The expected outcome is the creation of an online guidebook that provides youth workers with innovative tools to support young migrants and refugees effectively. This objective aligns with the broader goal of improving the quality and recognition of youth work.

The project also aims to empower youth workers and marginalized groups by equipping them with the skills necessary to facilitate cross-cultural integration through art-based strategies. By doing so, it seeks to foster a sense of belonging and encourage active participation in host communities. Additionally, INTARTS emphasizes collaboration among NGOs, youth centers, and refugee centers to create a network for sharing best practices in integration.

To achieve objectives, a preliminary study has been carried out on the current situation of migrants, youth workers and refugees, in order to assess their knowledge of integration processes. In this research report, quantitative and qualitative research results have been presented. The questionnaire and focus group interview were analysed and serve as a preliminary study to understand participants’ attitudes, challenges, and aspirations regarding sustainability and integration. These insights will directly inform the project’s design and implementation, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs of its diverse target groups.

Conclusion

The INTARTS project, “Integration through Creative Arts: Fostering Cross-Cultural Harmony,” underscores the transformative potential of creative arts in facilitating the integration of migrants and refugees. Conducted across Poland, Lithuania, and Greece, this research highlights how arts-based initiatives—when combined with community engagement and institutional support ,can effectively address the emotional, social, and cultural barriers to integration.

🔑 Key Highlights:

• Language barriers were the most common challenge identified across all countries, affecting access to services, education, employment, and social inclusion.
• Creative arts, especially music, painting, and digital storytelling, were rated as highly effective in helping migrants and refugees express themselves, connect with communities, and overcome cultural and linguistic obstacles.
• Over 60% of respondents had participated in or facilitated arts-based programs, emphasizing a growing awareness of art’s role in integration efforts.
• Successful initiatives included collaborative murals, intercultural music nights, poetry readings, and digital art workshops, all of which promoted empathy and mutual respect.
• Youth workers highlighted the importance of mentorship, trauma-informed care, and culturally sensitive approaches to foster a sense of belonging.
• Participants from diverse backgrounds emphasized the need for more inclusive, long-term strategies that combine arts with essential services like language training, mental health support, and housing.
• Government and NGO collaboration was recommended to ensure stable funding and broad reach, while also leveraging digital platforms to increase accessibility.

INTARTS proves that creative expression can bridge divides, empower vulnerable groups, and build inclusive communities. The project’s insights and recommendations lay a strong foundation for developing innovative, sustainable programs that celebrate diversity and foster integration through shared human experiences. By investing in creativity, empathy, and collaboration, Europe can continue to lead with compassion and resilience in the face of ongoing migration challenges.

Please click here to access the full report pdf.