Discovering Creativity and Culture: The Erasmus+ “My Name Is Youth” Project in Mikołów

In June, young people from Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Poland came together in Mikołów for a transformative week of art, culture, and connection, as part of the Erasmus+ project “My Name Is Youth.” Organized by the National Youth Council and the CthARTzis Foundation, the program offered a unique blend of creativity and technology, pushing participants to explore new artistic horizons while strengthening cross-cultural bonds.

The week began with icebreakers that quickly turned strangers into friends, followed by immersive activities such as painting with oversized brushes in Mikołów’s town square and creating stunning hydro-dipped backgrounds. As participants walked through the charming streets, they captured inspiration from sculptures and landmarks to fuel their projects. The day culminated in using the EyeJack app, blending augmented reality with art to transform static pieces into dynamic, animated works.

Highlights of the Week:

• A visit to Katowice provided insight into its rich history and culture, inspiring participants to create layered 3D graphics that combined urban landscapes with cultural narratives from all three countries.

• The process of transforming sketches into animations through patience, teamwork, and problem-solving built skills in digital artistry and storytelling.

• Mikołów itself became a vibrant canvas, with public spaces adorned with interactive art installations tied to their surroundings.

At the end of the week, Herbateka Tea Room transformed into a gallery bursting with vibrant artwork, while flowerpots and streets became homes to miniature art pieces. The group also crafted an interactive map for locals to explore, scanning QR codes to uncover hidden animations. The exhibition opening brought together community members, participants, and local leaders in a celebration of creativity and connection.

Key Results:

• 🎨 Mastered augmented reality tools like EyeJack to animate artwork.

• 🏙️ Created interactive 3D pieces blending history, urbanism, and culture.

• 🌍 Installed public artworks and designed an interactive art trail in Mikołów.

• 🖼️ Hosted a vibrant and well-received exhibition at Herbateka Tea Room.

• 🤝 Built lasting cross-cultural friendships and celebrated creativity together.

This initiative was not just about making art—it was about fostering connections, sharing cultures, and learning skills that will continue to empower young people long after the week in Mikołów. Each day challenged participants to view the world through a collaborative lens, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and unity.