STAR 2.0 PARTNERS - Street Art for the Future

The first STAR project was a two-year , EU-funded initiative running from 2019 to 2022. STAR (STreet ARt) aimed to promote social inclusion through street art in 14 European countries, including the Netherlands. Organized by ALDA and the Municipality of Arguinano (Italy), the project used street art to revitalize neglected urban areas and actively engage young people. With international events in Italy, Portugal, Kosovo, and the Netherlands, the STAR program has proven that street art is a powerful tool for improving social inclusion.

The "Power of Street Art" exchange program for students from the Comenius Lyceum in Amsterdam and students from Latvia was a great success. This project, supported by the Erasmus+ program, offered them the opportunity to break down cultural barriers, inspire each other, and connect with each other through street art.

Future Success: STAR 2.0

The members of the STAR consortium have launched STAR 2.0 – Street Art for the Future , an innovative project that strengthens youth workers by using street art as a tool for inclusion. Building on the success of STAR, STAR 2.0 is expanding this approach within the Erasmus+ framework, now with four countries. This has resulted in a comprehensive toolkit of practical methods and strategies for engaging young people from diverse backgrounds. Whether through murals or graffiti, STAR 2.0 uses street art to break down barriers, promote social cohesion, and actively involve young people in their communities. The project offers a creative solution for inclusion, and through collaboration, best educational practices are refined. Thanks to this consortium, street art has become a powerful agent of change across Europe.

Introducing the partners

EPMA - Czech Republic : The main objective of the EPMA (European Project Management Association) is to promote international cooperation between European regions. This is achieved through activities such as research, awareness-raising, project management, and networking, with the aim of strengthening the dialogue between government bodies, research institutions, businesses, and citizen initiatives. EPMA is the project leader of STAR 2.0.

We are participating in the Star 2.0 project to experience how a positive approach through street art can change the lives of young people.

SAMA - Netherlands : Street Art Museum Amsterdam (SAMA) produces, collects, records, documents, and makes accessible a unique collection of over 300 street art works. SAMA does this with the ambition to give target groups a more equal place in society through street art. The goal is equal opportunities, empowerment, and social innovation. It also aims to improve the development and quality of life of local communities through art and culture. SAMA serves as a street art expert in the STAR 2.0 program.

SAMA joined STAR because we wanted to learn from and share knowledge with other European cities about how we can make the impact of street art visible and usable.

Reggio Emilia Municipality - Italy : The Comune di Reggio Emilia is the municipal government of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Collaborative and sustainable development of the region is its main objective. They achieve this by offering various services and projects in the areas of culture, mobility, social cohesion, and the environment. They strive to collaborate with residents and organizations to improve quality of life and community participation. They are developing the curriculum for STAR 2.0.

We are committed to ensuring that the best practices and relationships that have been established and grown through the STAR project are not lost.

ALDA - France : ALDA (Association of Local Democracy Agencies ) focuses on promoting local democracy and participation. Its goal is to collaborate with local and regional authorities and social enterprises to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. ALDA supports various projects and initiatives, including research, policy advice, and the organization of events. ALDA is responsible for the communication strategy for local communities and STAR 2.0 stakeholders.

We are keen to explore how street art can be a powerful tool for engaging young people and promoting social inclusion in society.

Clube Intercultural Europeu - Portugal : The Clube Intercultural Europeu operates in the fields of youth, education, training, and employment. Its main objective is to develop personal, social, professional, and civic skills among both its members and the wider community. They specifically focus on promoting the participation, empowerment, and social inclusion of vulnerable groups, including children and young people. In STAR 2.0, they are focusing on the pilot project, including analysis and results.

We join to actively promote youth participation and social inclusion through street art.

The road to a more inclusive urban ecosystem

STAR 2.0 - Street Art for the Future is more than a project about youth work or graffiti techniques. It's a visionary step toward a more inclusive urban ecosystem. This toolkit strengthens youth workers and promotes creativity and social inclusion. At the same time, it addresses issues such as inequality, poverty, and marginalization.

The toolkit can become a resource for anyone working with vulnerable groups, promoting inclusion and connecting communities with the wider society.

This project also opens doors to new opportunities. Mobility grants can stimulate knowledge exchange between cities, enabling new collaborations across borders. By broadening the target group to include seniors and children, for example, STAR 2.0 can further connect communities and make urban spaces more inclusive for everyone.

STAR 2.0 isn't just about art, but about how we approach our cities and each other. It creates spaces where creativity connects and inclusion grows, regardless of age, background, or living situation. This is the first step toward a future where the city becomes a canvas for empowerment and social change, beyond the walls of a gallery.