The Let the Art Tell the Truth youth exchange brought together 30 young people from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, and the Republic of Moldova for a seven-day experience dedicated to creativity, inclusion, and artistic self-expression. Hosted in Izvoare, Romania, the project invited participants to explore how theatre, music, dance, and visual arts can communicate emotions, challenge stereotypes, and connect individuals beyond linguistic or cultural barriers.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in non-formal workshops, artistic labs, and collaborative creations that encouraged them to see art as a universal language. With many coming from rural areas or small towns with limited access to cultural activities, the exchange offered a unique environment where they could discover new creative tools, develop emotional awareness, and feel part of a supportive European community.

The week began with team-building activities, icebreakers, and the creation of a group social contract based on respect and inclusion. Through exercises like the Communication Tree and Youthpass reflections, participants defined their expectations and started exploring the eight key competences that would guide their learning journey.

As the days unfolded, the group dived into the central theme of the exchange — understanding how art can “tell the truth.” Workshops such as How Does Art Speak? helped them analyze how different art forms convey meaning, while digital self-portrait and vision board activities supported personal storytelling through visual expression. Creativity expanded further with the Found Sound Workshop, where rhythms were built from everyday objects, and the Poetry Slam Workshop, where spoken word became a tool for sharing personal truths and emotions.

Music and spoken word were also central to the creative process. During the Found Sound Workshop, participants composed rhythms using everyday objects, discovering music as an accessible and imaginative language. The Poetry Slam Workshop invited them to write and perform personal texts, sharing stories and emotions in an atmosphere of safety and encouragement.

In the second half of the exchange, participants worked in groups to design applied arts projects and theatrical performances. One of the main highlights was Theater Day — Let’s Tell Our Truth Through Theater! — where improvisation, movement, and storytelling came together in impactful performances that expressed authenticity, vulnerability, and social messages.

Evenings were dedicated to reflection circles, helping participants process their learning, while intercultural nights offered a chance to share traditions, food, and cultural elements from each country. These exchanges strengthened the sense of solidarity and deepened mutual understanding within the group.

On the final day, participants completed their Youthpass certificates, reflected on their progress, and celebrated their week together during the Farewell Party and Secret Friend Reveal.

The project had a strong impact on personal development: participants became more confident, expressive, and aware of the power of art to foster inclusion and social connection. The artistic creations produced during the exchange embodied messages of unity, diversity, and authenticity — perfectly capturing the spirit of Let the Art Tell the Truth.

Légáramlat and its participants will now continue this momentum through local dissemination activities in Hungary, sharing their experiences and inspiring others with the message that art can build bridges and spark meaningful change.

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