From April 25 to 27, 2025, Warsaw hosted the first training session of the Echoes of Unity project – an international initiative supporting Ukrainian artists displaced by the war. Organized by Fundacja Varsztatovnia, the meeting brought together participants from Poland, Italy, and Portugal, marking a new chapter in their artistic journeys and integration into the European cultural scene.
The project, funded by the Creative Europe programme, aims to empower artists through professional development, the promotion of cultural heritage, and the building of bridges between communities through art.
Day 1: Stories, Technology, and Inner Strength
The first day began with an emotional sharing circle that created a safe space for participants to express their experiences. Sessions on emotional resilience and stress management provided a platform for exchanging practical strategies to cope with the challenges of life in exile.
In the afternoon, we entered the world of digital art – from AI and NFTs to blockchain and VR. Workshops led by Greek experts from iED introduced new opportunities for promoting and presenting art online. Next came a hands-on session in artistic self-presentation – each participant had the chance to create their own mini-portfolio and receive constructive feedback.
The day concluded with a reflective discussion on art, ego, and the idea of “home”, followed by a museum visit that offered not only insight into Polish cultural heritage but also a chance for deeper bonding through shared experience.
Day 2: Collaboration, Creativity, and Collective Creation
The second day was dedicated to collaboration. Workshops on teamwork and design thinking helped participants explore how to work effectively in a group and develop ideas for artistic projects. The theme of “home” returned during an open sharing session filled with sketches, poems, and memories.
The highlight of the day was a workshop inspired by the poetry of Ellaya Yefynova – Time to Leave, Time to Live – during which international teams created artistic collages reflecting personal experiences of loss and rebuilding. The evening saw the first collective creative session, initiating the development of a group exhibition that will be presented in Poland, Portugal, and Italy.
Takeaways and Next Steps
The training in Poland provided not only practical tools and knowledge but, more importantly, launched a deep process of integration, cultural exchange, and community building. The artists left Warsaw not only with new skills but also with a sense of belonging and renewed inspiration.
Echoes of Unity has shown that art truly holds the power to unite – across borders, languages, and lived experiences.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mimma Dreams (Italy), Biblioteca Lúcio Craveiro da Silva (Portugal), iED – Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (Greece) and Fundacja Varsztatovnia (Poland) for contributing time, knowledge, and creativity to make this training session in Warsaw a success. Each of you played a vital role in building an environment of trust, learning, and artistic growth.
We look forward to continuing this journey together in the next sessions in Greece and Portugal!
