Improvisation as a bridge for inclusion and change
Performing Bridges
Portugal – Latvia – Netherlands
Erasmus+ Project 2025-1-PT01-RF210-ADU-000360058
ABOUT THE PROJECT
What Is Improvisation?
Improvisation is often associated with theatre, music, or performance.
But at its core, improvisation is a human capacity — the ability to listen, respond, and create in the moment.
In artistic practice, improvisation helps performers connect with each other and with their audience.
In everyday life and learning environments, it strengthens adaptability, collaboration, and creative thinking.
Improvisation encourages participants to listen carefully, react creatively, and build trust within a group.
It opens space for experimentation, curiosity, and shared discovery.
Through the Performing Bridges project, we explore how improvisation can become a bridge between artistic practice, education, and community engagement.
WHY IMPROVISATION MATTERS
In a rapidly changing world, educators, artists, and community leaders often work in situations where plans cannot predict every outcome.
Improvisation offers a powerful response to this reality.
It develops the ability to listen deeply, respond creatively, and collaborate in uncertain situations.
These skills are essential not only in artistic practice, but also in education, facilitation, and community work.
Performing Bridges explores how improvisational practices can support inclusive learning environments, strengthen participation, and create spaces where people feel safe to experiment and contribute.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Improvisation is more than a method - it's a way of being together.
Performing Bridges is a European partnership developed within the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The project explores how artistic improvisation can support educators, youth workers, and cultural professionals working with diverse and vulnerable groups.
Through improvisation we focus on listening, co-creation, and shared presence — building bridges between people, practices, and places.
The project includes:
- online training sessions (April 2026)
- Performing Bridges Festival in Portugal (June 2026)
- the development of the Performing Bridges Methodological Toolkit, an open digital resource of practices and reflections.
Project components
Training Program
International sessions for educators, youth workers, and artists.
A series of international online sessions where artists and educators share improvisational practices and explore how they can be applied in educational and creative contexts.
Festival in Portugal
An intimate gathering of creativity, learning, and exchange.
Held in May 2026, the festival brings together participants for:
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Artistic labs and improvisation-based workshops
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Public performances and open jam sessions
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A dedicated pedagogical session for selected educators
Methodological Toolkit
A shared resource of exercises, cases, and insights.
The Toolkit compiles tested practices developed during the trainings and festival.
It includes methods, documentation, and adaptable tools for various age groups and learning contexts.
Partners
Kseniia Oleinikova (Portugal)
Festival & Methodological Development
Kseniia Oleinikova coordinates the Performing Bridges project and leads its implementation in Portugal. She oversees the overall structure of the activities, including the Training Program, the festival component, and the development of the Methodological Toolkit and online resources. Her work focuses on connecting artistic improvisation with practical educational tools and ensuring coherence across all project stages.
Stichting Multiculturele Bruggen (Netherlands)
Training Program & Inclusive Practice
Stichting Multiculturele Bruggen leads the development and delivery of the Training Program. With experience in adult education and social integration, the organisation contributes practical approaches to inclusive learning, intercultural dialogue, and community engagement. Their expertise supports educators in applying improvisation-based methods in diverse and mixed-ability environments.
Larsan Consulting (Latvia)
Dissemination, Networking & Professional Outreach
Larsan Consulting is responsible for dissemination and professional outreach within the project. The organisation supports communication strategies, networking, and evaluation processes to ensure that the project’s results reach educators, youth workers, and cultural professionals across Europe. Their contribution strengthens the visibility and sustainability of the project outcomes.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Stay Connected
Performing Bridges continues to grow through dialogue, shared practices, and artistic exploration.
Follow the development of the project, discover new methods, and join upcoming activities designed for educators, youth workers, artists, and cultural professionals working with groups.
Performing Bridges is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
