HORIZON PROJECT: Civic Stage

Citizenship-, Identity-, European Values-, Inclusion-, and Community development through Societal Participatory Theatre Activities in a Global Europe

Description

 

CIVIC STAGE (Citizenship-, Identity-, European Values-, Inclusion-, and Community development through Societal Participatory Theatre Activities in a Global Europe) responds to some of the most urgent challenges facing Europe today—including climate change, rapid digital transformation, and geopolitical instability—by reimagining citizenship education for a new generation. Traditional approaches often fail to engage young people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, so the project combines formal and non-formal learning with participatory theatre methods that are creative, inclusive, and relevant to their lived experiences. Through storytelling, dialogue, and active involvement, young people move from passive observers to active participants who can shape narratives, express concerns, and explore democratic values in practice. By co-creating educational modules with young people, educators, and stakeholders, CIVIC STAGE develops and tests innovative methods across diverse settings, aiming to strengthen civic engagement, democratic participation, and social inclusion. The project will also train at least 160 facilitators in 11 countries, creating a lasting network of professionals equipped to use theatre as a tool for active citizenship and community dialogue.

 

Introduction

The convergence of global poly-crises – from climate change, global migration, war and conflict, the unforeseen consequences of digital transformation, geopolitical instability, the rise of autocratic regimes, and the spread of disinformation – underscores the pressing need to  understand better European youth’s democratic engagement and values (Council of the European Union, 2023, C/2023/1339). CIVIC STAGE sets out to strengthen civic engagement and democratic resilience. It aims at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become active citizens, and to empower educators, decision makers, and communities to cultivate inclusive and democratic practices anchored in EU values. To achieve this, CIVIC STAGE advances innovative methods that are transdisciplinary, participatory, experiential, and adaptable. Moving beyond siloed and conventional frameworks, the project integrates two complementary approaches: participatory theatre and digital practices.  

Objectives

Objective 1.  

Elaborating an evidence-based framework for developing and evaluating participatory theatre methods to enhance (teach, learn, and assess) citizenship education of young people (aged 15-29). 

Objective 2.  

Developing and piloting innovative theatre-based methods blended with digital practices in both formal and non-formal settings, integrating competence-based, transformational and action-oriented social learning to enhance citizenship education and strengthen European values. 

Objective 3.  

Evaluating the effects of participatory theatre- and digital practices-based citizenship education on young people’s civic and democratic engagement, with specific attention paid to inclusion of disadvantaged youth and investigation of gender-specific barriers and opportunities. 

Objective 4.  

Promoting and facilitating rollout of innovative theatre-based methodologies for citizenship education in both formal and non-formal settings. 

Consortium 

  1. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway: As the coordinator, HVL has extensive expertise in civic education and participatory theatre research.
  2. The University of Auckland (UOA), New Zealand: A leading research university that will lead the methodology development for the project.
  3. Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), UK: Has extensive expertise in AI and digital creative technologies.
  4. International Drama/Theatre and Education Association (IDEA): A significant global umbrella association with members in over 80 countries. 
  5. Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network (TENet-Gr), Greece: An active network of teachers and youth workers that will help implement the project.
  6. Citoyenneté jeunesse (CJ), France: A French NGO with expertise in civic values and critical thinking.
  7. InSite Drama, Czech Rerublic: A Czech-based organization that uses drama to address pressing social problems.
  8. The Regional Directorate of Education of Peloponnese (REDP) Greece: A Greek public organization that oversees education and has a strong network of schools.
  9. The Centre for Education Development (ORE) Polland: A Polish institution for teacher training that will adapt and pilot the modules in Poland.

 

Civic Stage News

Civic Stage: Kick-off Meeting

Civic Stage: Kick-off Meeting

Oct 9, 2026

Last week in Bergen, at the HVL University, Katerina Zarnikov, Dunja Matulic (online) and Sanja Krsmanovic Tasic represented IDEA at the Kick-off meeting of the Horizons Civic Stage project. IDEA is one of 10 partners of this highly evaluated project. Sanja also had...

IDEA is part of HORIZONS PROJECT “Civic Stage”!

Apr 16, 2026

After many years of trying to get additional funding for our association we are happy to announce that IDEA will be involved as a partner in an important and complex EU Horizons Project that we have been working with dedication on applying for, called Civic Stage. The...

HORIZON-CL2-2025-01 Project
Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society – 2025
Topic: HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-DEMOCRACY-10
 HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions