MASCARADE – Masks and theatre for social inclusion, participatory democracy and education is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, KA220 – Cooperation Partnerships in the field of Youth.
Project number: 2024-2-FR02-KA220-YOU-000278543.

MASCARADE is a European project that aims to develop the arts as a tool for non-formal education, encouraging social inclusion, self-esteem and active participation among young people. It seeks to strengthen European citizenship through collective reflection on European identities, using the mask as a tool for creation, expression and action. The project also aims to foster cooperation between cultural, social and educational organisations at both local and European levels, improving the quality and impact of their work.

The project activities include research and interviews at local and European levels to explore how the arts can strengthen European citizenship and social inclusion. A Train-the-Trainers programme will bring together artists and social and youth workers to develop a shared methodology. This will be followed by experimental workshops with young people in each partner country, a feedback and filming phase, interviews with participants and members of their local communities, and a series of dissemination events.

The main results of the project will include a study on European identities and the role of performing arts in fostering mutual understanding and social inclusion, as well as a theatre and mask-based methodology presented through tutorial videos. The project will also produce three interconnected outputs: a book-game, a podcast series and a dedicated website, alongside local dissemination events.

Additional outcomes include strengthened cooperation between cultural and social stakeholders, and increased self-esteem, participation and social inclusion among young people.