The URBANUS-19 project aims to support vulnerable young people (VYP) while facing social challenges increased by Covid crisis and to empower them with the skills to portrait and overcome vulnerability experiences through the arts. We will create a “cubist self-portrait of today’s society” through multiple artistic expressions. Implemented by 5 partner organisations in 4 EU countries. The project will also contribute to the development of artistic, civic and social potential in their communities and especially in urban areas.OBJECTIVES-Implementing “Artistic Resistances” - through Art Installations, Community Theatre and Documentaries Reportage - bringing together young people in 4 partner countries by telling their stories related to the pandemic and neighbourhood;-Creation of exhibition spaces in partner countries to display participants’ creations, hold performances and collect feedback by the audience and wider public;-Staff training on participatory methodologies and creativity in youth work;-Showcase the situation of the neighbourhood environments during the pandemic by triggering artistic creation processes, also addressing topics such as social inclusion, European citizenship and cultural awareness of citizens and in particular young people;-Promoting contemporary artistic creation as a tool for analysis on social issues, leading to participatory and intercultural dialogue and connecting educational institutions, organisations from social and cultural sectors and young people;-Enhancing participants’ and staff’s socialisation skills and resilience in reaction to Covid-19 crisis through the arts, while gaining tools and competencies necessary to find creative and innovative solutions to face unprecedented social challenges.In particular, the URBANUS-19 will develop:-1 Handbook on Participation Methodologies in youth work;-1 Toolkit on Creativity in youth work;-1 P&C Online Platform for trainers and young people;-1 Blended Hackathon Framework - “Hack on Arts”.TARGET GROUPSThe project targets Vulnerable Young People (VYP) particularly exposed to Covid crisis in terms of social exclusion and lack of labour, creativity and socialisation opportunities, especially in urban areas. Specific sub-groups to be addressed by each partner: VYP with a migration background, young people exposed to cyberbullying, young Roma people and NEETS, young women experiencing social/labour/education exclusion.NEEDS ANALYSISThe COVID-19 health emergency has severely limited the recreational and participatory opportunities of young people outside the home both at European and at the local level. These limitations are a common problem for all countries participants in URBANUS-19, accompanied by the suspension of all educational activities in the presence, thus preventing the regular development of the potential of young people deriving from the development of experiences outside the family context. URBANUS-19 intends to implement interventions, experimental and innovative, for the empowerment of young people, in compliance with indications provided by the various European governments on the safe reopening of participatory and recreational activities.PROJECT PARTNERSHIPProject leader, Orizzonti Social Cooperative (Italy), delivers social and cultural services for the inclusion of young people -some of them with a migration background. Our second Italian partner, Associazione Girotondo, is committed to providing digital and media education for young people, even in cooperation with schools. Our partners from Germany, the Euro-Med Youth Federation (EMYF), is composed of youth initiatives, NGOs, workers and activists in the field of youth empowerment and sustainable development, committed to fostering cooperation in Euro-Mediterranean countries. Moreover, a Romanian partner, Fundatia Professional, equally committed to fostering social inclusion of youth, women with special needs and Young Roma people. Lastly, the partnership includes one organisation from Slovenia, DRPDNM that carries out activities for the inclusion of Roma youth and NEETS as well as for stimulating civil dialogue.TRANSNATIONAL DIMENSIONThis joint work will involve partners from the 4 above-mentioned countries (Italy, Slovenia, Romania, Germany), some with a stronger background in P&C methodologies in youth work as well as in EU-funded projects and others younger in terms of experience. This transnational work will be supported by the European network organisation in the field of youth, our partner EMYF - based in Germany but also working as “network of networks” at Euro-Mediterranean level throughout its network in 40 countries. Our partner DRPDNM will also contribute to this in light of its role as the “Regional NGO Center”, targeting 1.500 NGOs and 21 Municipalities in Slovenia as well as at interregional level.