Art Connecting People -

2026-07-22

“Art Connecting People” is a transnational initiative designed to transform public libraries into vibrant hubs for civic engagement through contemporary art. Four partner libraries—Concesio (Italy), Braga (Portugal), Kranj (Slovenia), and Trinec (Czech Republic)—will each run three cycles of locally tailored art-based activities, inviting citizens to collaborate on murals, installations, or performances addressing pressing themes such as sustainability, migration, and intergenerational solidarity. Alongside these community events, periodic study visits unite librarians, artists, and stakeholders from across Europe to share best practices, refine approaches, and document lessons learned. Supported by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the project aims to reach both primary targets (local artists, librarians) and secondary or marginalized groups (e.g., older adults, migrants), fostering dialogue and inclusion. Over time, these creative interventions seek to reduce cultural barriers, build empathy, and highlight the library’s role as a democratic, accessible space. The final outcome—an “Art Connecting People” Toolkit—will encapsulate key methodologies and case studies, allowing other European libraries to replicate the model. Dissemination culminates in an online conference, showcasing successful outcomes and strengthening a Europe-wide network of library-driven civic innovation. Through art, community collaboration, and targeted outreach, this proposal aspires to create lasting social impact, reinforcing shared European values and ensuring continued momentum for participatory library programming well beyond the funding period.

Italy, Slovenia, Czechia, Portugal

2026-01-15