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Art Box is a youth exchange in Málaga focused on promoting mental health and wellbeing through art-based exploration. In alignment with European Youth Goal #5, the project creates a safe and intercultural space where young people explore creative movement, visual arts, journaling, and nature-based practices as coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges. Through non-formal learning and shared reflection, participants co-create a practical “Art Box” — a collection of creative tools that support resilience, self-expression, and emotional awareness in everyday life.
Location: Malaga, Spain.
When: 17th – 24th April 2026
Deadline Application: 15th March 2026
Eligibility is limited to applicants from: Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania and Portugal.
Eligible age: 15 to 30 years old. ( youth leader over 30 years old)
Accommodation and food covered – 3 meals – 2 coffee breaks
Travel reimbursement: costs will be reimbursed according to the Erasmus+ Distance Calculator. ( Infopack )
“Art Box” is a youth exchange that explores art as a practical and accessible tool for mental health and emotional wellbeing. The project directly contributes to European Youth Goal #5: Mental Health & Wellbeing, which calls for improved mental health support, prevention strategies, and the promotion of emotional resilience among young people across Europe.
Young people today face increasing levels of stress, anxiety, social pressure, and uncertainty. Despite growing awareness around mental health, many still lack simple, non-clinical coping tools they can apply in everyday life. There is a need for preventive approaches that are accessible, inclusive, and youth-friendly.
This youth exchange creates a safe and creative space in Málaga where participants explore artistic practices as coping mechanisms. Art is approached not as performance or talent, but as a medium for expression, grounding, emotional regulation, and connection.
Through shared exploration, reflection, and intercultural dialogue, participants co-create an “Art Box in Times of Need” a collection of creative coping practices designed by young people for young people.
Promote mental wellbeing through creative and accessible methodologies.
Encourage emotional awareness and self-expression among young people.
Provide practical artistic tools for coping with stress.
Foster intercultural dialogue through shared creative experiences.
Strengthen peer connection and safe spaces for emotional exchange.
The youth exchange functions as an immersive creative laboratory where participants explore four artistic dimensions as coping mechanisms:
Body-based practices to explore how emotions are stored physically and how movement can support grounding, release, and energy regulation.
Portrait work, painting, mural creation, and neurographical art to externalize emotions and transform internal states into visual expression.
Reflective writing and storytelling exercises to clarify thoughts, express internal dialogue, and reframe experiences.
Outdoor activities and grounding techniques to reconnect with the senses and reduce emotional overwhelm.
Each activity is followed by guided reflection, helping participants understand how creative processes influence their emotional state.
The Infopack provides all the essential details you need to know about the youth exchange, including the project goals, location, travel arrangements, accommodation, and important contact information. Make sure to read it carefully to be fully prepared for the event
The application deadline is 15th March 2026!
Below is the Google Form link to the application form. We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you soon in our educational activities!
