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What is and how does the Erasmus+ program work beyond mobility?

The Erasmus+ programme plays a crucial role in supporting various sectors in the Programme Countries, third countries associated with the Programme and relevant third countries not associated with it. It should be noted that Georgia, in accordance with the Erasmus+ terminology, is considered to be in the Eastern Partnership region, specifically in Region 2.

Although Erasmus+ mobility programs are very popular, it is less well known that Erasmus+ promotes collaborative partnerships, for example between EU countries and Georgia, which allows for the sharing of best practices among participating institutions.

How can the arts sector benefit from the Erasmus+ programme?

Erasmus+ is designed to empower various target audiences, including young people. It is worth noting that the programme does not limit participation to specific types of organisations, as long as they meet its objectives and requirements. Accordingly, organisations in the arts sector that are focused on young people can actively participate in Erasmus+ initiatives, in particular in the programme – Empowerment in the Youth Sector – (KA237). 

“Capacity Building in the Youth Sector” is an important resource for strengthening international cooperation between youth organizations. These projects aim to achieve broad socio-economic goals through targeted non-formal learning strategies. Below are some ways in which this capacity building can be effectively applied in the arts sector:

1. Improving artistic skills and competencies: The Capacity Building Program offers young people relevant training and access to resources that can support the development of their artistic skills. Through workshops and masterclasses, the program can help young people refine their skills, e.g. in the fields of handicrafts, visual arts, performance, multimedia, etc., which can ultimately Improve their employment prospects and enhance their ability to express themselves individually.
2. Promoting inclusion and diversity: The program aims to promote inclusiveness in the arts sector. This enriches the landscape of the arts sector and encourages the integration of marginalized youth, thereby strengthening social cohesion.
3. Strengthening civic engagement through art: Artistic projects can be powerful tools for encouraging civic engagement and political participation in society, allowing young people to creatively approach social issues. Capacity building encourages youth organizations to use art as a means of dialogue, advocacy, and activism, which helps the generation to be involved in democratic processes and community development.
4. Sharing cross-cultural practices: Capacity-building programs promote international practice sharing and institutional collaboration, where young artists from different regions share their cultural heritage and artistic traditions with each other. This sharing of experiences not only enriches their understanding of global art practices, but also Promotes tolerance, compassion, and cooperation among diverse communities.
5. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals: By integrating themes such as environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and social justice into artistic projects, capacity-building programs help young people connect their creative knowledge and experiences to broader social challenges.
6. Creating networks of collaboration opportunities: Capacity building initiatives can serve as a basis for establishing networks among youth organizations, which can enable sharing of resources between organizations and creation of joint projects.
7. Promoting the use of digital platforms: The digital dimension is becoming increasingly relevant in the arts sector. Capacity-building projects can help youth organizations implement digital tools and technologies, promote virtual exhibitions, online workshops, and digital collaborations.

1. Developing innovative methods in the youth sector: By focusing on developing new methodologies and tools for youth work, capacity building initiatives can lead to innovative approaches in the arts sector. This could include participatory arts projects and co-creation initiatives where young people co-create and implement artistic solutions to societal challenges.

Objectives of the program:

• Building the capacity of organizations working with young people outside of formal education;
• Promoting non-formal learning activities in relevant third countries not associated with the Programme, in particular in organisations that promote the improvement of young people's competences and opportunities.
• Promoting the development of youth workers in relevant third countries not associated to the Programme, improving the quality of their work and recognition procedures;
• Developing programmes that allow organisations to enhance non-formal learning mobility in third countries not associated with the programme;
• Support for organisations from third countries not associated with the Programme to contribute to the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027);
• Promoting cooperation through joint initiatives between youth organisations from, on the one hand, the Member States of the European Union and third countries associated with the Programme, and, on the other hand, third countries not associated with the Programme;
• Encouraging participation in the program of small organizations, as well as organizations from regions;
• Strengthening synergies between youth organizations that work with young people outside of formal learning, with formal education systems and/or in the labor market.

Who can apply?	Non-governmental organisations (including European youth NGOs and national youth councils) working in the field of youth or Public bodies working in the field of youth at local, regional or national level; (Note: Other types of organizations may participate, but not as applicants) Legally established in a Member State of the European Union or in a third country associated with the Programme, or In third countries not associated with the programme Region 1 (Western Balkans), Region 2 Eastern [Partnership]
Composition of the consortium	Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least 4 applicants (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities) that meets the following conditions: At least 1 legal entity from an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Programme; At least 2 legal entities from 2 different eligible third countries not associated with the programme, belonging to the same eligible region mentioned above under "Who can apply". Organizations from different regions cannot participate in the same projects. Interregional projects are not eligible.
Duration of the project	Projects should typically last between 12 and 36 months (extension is possible, with proper justification and amendment).
When is the application submitted?	Annual (deadline February or March)
Amount of funding	Projects combining regions 1, 2 and 3: the maximum EU contribution per project is €300.

შენიშვნა: For more information and to begin preparing your application, please visit the relevant section of CB Youth. Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2025.

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How Can Capacity Building in the Field of Youth Be Used in the Art Sector?

The Erasmus+ program plays a pivotal role in supporting various sectors across Program Countries, third countries associated with the initiative, and relevant third countries not affiliated with it. Notably, Georgia is included in Erasmus terminology under the Eastern Partnership in Region 2.

While many are familiar with the popular mobility programs, fewer realize that Erasmus+ also facilitates cooperative partnerships, such as those between EU countries and Georgia, promoting the exchange of best practices among participating institutions.

Erasmus+ is designed to empower diverse target audiences, including the youth sector. Importantly, the program does not limit participation to specific types of organizations, as long as they align with its objectives and requirements. Consequently, organizations within the arts sector that focus on youth can actively engage in Erasmus+ initiatives, particularly through the subprogramme dedicated to Capacity Building in the Field of Youth (KA237).

Capacity building in the youth domain serves as a crucial resource for enhancing international collaboration among youth organizations. These projects not only create avenues for artistic expression but also aim to meet broader socio-economic goals through targeted non-formal learning strategies. Below are several ways this capacity building can be effectively leveraged within the arts sector:

1. Enhancement Artistic Skills and Competencies: Capacity-building initiatives provide training and resources for youth to develop their artistic skills. By conducting workshops and masterclasses, these programs enable aspiring artists to refine their craft, whether in visual arts, performing arts, or multimedia, thereby improving their employability and fostering individual self-expression.
2. Fostering Inclusion and Diversity: By specifically targeting organizations that engage young people with fewer opportunities, capacity building can promote inclusivity in the art sector. This ensures that diverse voices are heard and represented, enriching the artistic landscape and encouraging participation from marginalized youth, thereby reinforcing social cohesion.
3. Promoting Civic Engagement through Art: Artistic projects can be powerful tools for civic engagement and political participation, allowing young people to address societal issues creatively. Capacity building encourages youth organizations to use art as a medium for dialogue, advocacy, and activism, fostering a generation that is engaged in democratic processes and community development.
4. Encouraging Cross-Cultural Exchange: Capacity-building efforts can facilitate international exchanges and collaborations, where young artists from different regions share their cultural heritage and artistic traditions. This exchange not only enriches their understanding of global art practices but also promotes tolerance, empathy, and collaboration among diverse communities.
5. Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: By integrating themes such as environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, and social justice into artistic projects, capacity-building programs help young people connect their creative endeavors with broader societal challenges. This helps them understand and address critical issues while promoting peace and reconciliation through their art.
6. Creating Networks for Collaborative Opportunities: Capacity-building initiatives can serve as a foundation for establishing networks among youth organizations. These networks can lead to partnerships, resource sharing, and collaborative projects, enabling organizations to work together on artistic endeavors that amplify their impact and reach.
7. Utilizing Digital Platforms for Growth: The digital dimension is increasingly relevant in the art sector. Capacity-building projects can help youth organizations adopt digital tools and technologies, facilitating virtual exhibitions, online workshops, and digital collaborations that expand the reach of their artistic initiatives and cater to a wider audience.
8. Developing Innovative Youth Work Methods: By focusing on the development of new methodologies and tools for youth work, capacity-building initiatives can lead to innovative approaches in the art sector. This can include participatory art projects and co-creation initiatives where youth collaboratively design and implement artistic solutions to community challenges.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ACTION 

• raising the capacity of organizations working with young people outside formal education;
• promoting non-formal learning activities in the eligible third countries not associated to the Programme, especially in organizations that target young people with fewer opportunities, and foster the participation of young people in all their diversity, with a view to improving their level of competencies and opportunities to act, thus enabling them to ensure the active participation of young people in society;
• supporting the development of youth work in the eligible third countries not associated to the Program, improving its quality and recognition;  
• fostering the development, testing and launching of schemes and programs allowing organizations to enhance non-formal learning mobility in the eligible third countries not associated to the Programme;
• supporting organizations in the eligible third countries not associated to the Program to contribute to the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027) including the 11 European Youth Goals; the European Youth Work Agenda; the Youth Action Plan in the EU External Action (2022-2027), including the Africa-Europe Youth Academy; and to the follow-up of the European Year of Skills launched in 2023;
• fostering cooperation through joint initiatives between youth organizations of, on the one hand, EU Member States and third countries associated to the program, and, on the other hand, third countries not associated to the program in the different regions of the world eligible for this action;
• fostering participation of smaller organizations, as well as organizations from remote areas and smaller localities
• enhancing synergies and complementarities of youth organizations working with young people outside formal learning with formal education systems and/or the labor market. 

Who can apply?	NGOs (including European Youth NGOs and national Youth Councils) working in the field of youth or public bodies at local, regional or national level working in the field of youth; Other public or private organizations may also participate but not as coordinators. Legally established in an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme, or in third countries not associated to the Program from regions 1 (Western Balkans), Region 2 (Neighbourhood East)
Consortium composition	Proposals must be submitted by a consortium of at least 4 applicants (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities), which complies with the following conditions: minimum 1 legal entity from an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme; minimum 2 legal entities from 2 different eligible third countries not associated with the Program belonging to the same eligible Region mentioned above in "Who can apply". Organizations from different eligible regions cannot participate in the same projects. Cross-regional projects are not eligible.
Duration of the project	Projects should normally last between 12 and 36 months (extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment).
When to apply?	Annual call (Deadline either FEB or MAR)
WHAT ARE THE FUNDING RULES?	Projects targeting regions 1, 2 and 3: the maximum EU contribution per project is EUR 300.

Nota Bene: For more details and before starting to prepare an application, please familiarize yourself with the relevant CB Youth section in the Erasmus+ Program Guide 2025.