KA153 Youth Workers' Mobility for the Future of Copyright and Cultural Heritage

Project: Kütahya Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative – Youth Workers' Mobility
Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
Location: Kütahya, Turkey
Participants: Youth workers, artists, cultural heritage experts

Our project aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth workers in the fields of copyright and cultural heritage preservation through an innovative mobility program. Kütahya, known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in ceramics and tile craftsmanship, serves as the ideal location for this initiative. The project brings together youth workers, local producers, and artists to engage in workshops, fieldwork, and creative strategies to preserve cultural heritage and raise awareness about copyright protection. Participants will gain practical experience and collaborate on developing solutions to protect their creative works on digital platforms.

Activity Plan
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Participants arrive in Kütahya and check into the hotel. The project will be introduced, and key information will be shared. In the evening, an intercultural night will be held, where participants can get to know each other and exchange cultural experiences. This activity promotes bonding between youth workers from different countries.

Day 2: Project Overview and Copyright Workshop
The day begins with an overview of the project and its objectives. A workshop on copyright protection is then held, focusing on how creative works can be safeguarded in both digital and physical environments. Participants will work in small groups to develop strategies for protecting their rights as creators.

Day 3: Fieldwork and Local Visits
Participants visit the Kütahya Porcelain Factory and meet with local ceramic producers to learn about traditional production techniques. The day continues with a visit to the Kütahya Directorate of Culture and Tourism, where participants will learn about local policies and practices for preserving cultural heritage.

Day 4: Non-Formal Learning Workshops
Participants engage in non-formal learning workshops focusing on cultural heritage preservation, art production, and sustainability. These workshops help youth workers develop creative solutions and integrate them into their own youth projects.

Day 5: Clay and Ceramics Workshop
A hands-on ceramics workshop will be held with local artists and artisans, where participants will learn traditional clay crafting techniques and create their own pieces. Group discussions will explore how cultural heritage can be digitized and protected on digital platforms.

Day 6: Copyright Strategy Development
Participants spend the day developing strategies for copyright protection and advocating for young artists' rights. Group work and brainstorming sessions will focus on creating innovative solutions that can be applied both locally and internationally. In the evening, the final intercultural night will be held, featuring cultural presentations and performances.

Day 7: Final Evaluation and Closing
The project’s outcomes will be evaluated, and participants will receive certificates of participation. During the final session, participants will share their experiences and feedback, and discussions on potential future collaborations will take place.

Day 8: Departure
Participants check out of the hotel and depart from Kütahya.

Methodology
Throughout the project, non-formal learning methods will be employed. Workshops, fieldwork, group activities, and intercultural learning sessions will be utilized to enhance participants' knowledge and skills. The blend of cultural heritage practices, such as ceramics and porcelain production, with practical copyright education will provide a comprehensive learning experience. The sessions on copyright and digital content management will equip participants with the necessary tools to apply these topics in their youth work effectively.

This project aims to raise youth workers' awareness of digital rights, cultural heritage preservation, and the future of art, while providing opportunities to develop creative solutions and innovative projects. By the end of the project, participants will be empowered to spread the knowledge gained and apply it in their own countries, sharing it with the young people they work with.