DIGI-HELICON is an EU-funded initiative designed to empower current and aspiring artists by enhancing their digital skills and competencies. Recognizing the pivotal role of the Cultural and Creative Sector (CCS) in Europe’s economy and social fabric, the project seeks to bridge the gap between artistic expression and digital technology, thereby facilitating artists’ access to online markets and audiences.
The project’s scope encompasses a comprehensive approach to support artists, particularly women and individuals from vulnerable groups such as migrants, refugees, the long-term unemployed, those residing in remote areas, and members of the LGBTQI community. By developing innovative materials and providing flexible upskilling opportunities, DIGI-HELICON aims to promote artists’ entrepreneurship and employability, foster intercultural dialogue, and enhance social inclusion within the artistic community.
The primary target groups of DIGI-HELICON include current and aspiring artists and cultural workers, with a special focus on women and individuals from vulnerable populations. Secondary target groups comprise adult and non-formal education trainers working with these artists, partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders such as adult education institutions, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), cultural and arts associations, festivals, vocational education and training institutions, youth organizations, art foundations, galleries, and theaters. The project also aims to engage the wider public and media across partner countries and throughout the EU.
The objectives of DIGI-HELICON are multifaceted. The project seeks to develop innovative materials for artists and adult educators, promote artists’ entrepreneurship and employability, provide flexible upskilling opportunities, and foster intercultural dialogue and social inclusion. These goals are pursued through activities such as in-depth mapping of learning needs and future trends regarding the digitalization of artistic expression, the development of a user-friendly online platform and open-access, modular, asynchronous online courses to enhance artists’ digital skills, and the implementation of “Train the Trainers” activities to upskill educators on the use of these online courses.
The impact of DIGI-HELICON is envisioned to be significant. By equipping artists with essential digital skills, the project aims to enhance their ability to navigate the evolving digital landscape, thereby increasing their access to the labor market and promoting sustainable careers in the arts. Additionally, by fostering intercultural dialogue and social inclusion, the project contributes to the broader goals of social cohesion and cultural diversity within the EU.
Key outputs of the project include the development of a transferable Capacity Building Methodology, encompassing online, blended, and collaborative learning approaches, and a Handbook of good practices based on an in-depth analysis of the specific learning needs of the target groups and audience preferences. Furthermore, the project will produce a user-friendly online platform and an open-access, modular, asynchronous online course to enhance artists’ digital skills and address identified gaps. A mentoring scheme will provide continuous support to beneficiaries, along with direct capacity-building activities to develop artists’ competencies. An inclusive virtual space will be created for artists to present and promote their work, thereby increasing their access to the labor market.
ITML’s role in the project
In the DIGI-HELICON project, ITML serves as the main technological partner, leading the development of the Online Course Platform that provides training on digital skills for artists. ITML is responsible for integrating learning materials in all partner languages, ensuring accessibility and usability for a diverse range of participants. Additionally, ITML develops a Virtual Exhibition space, where project participants can showcase their artwork created using their newly acquired digital skills. This interactive exhibition serves as a platform for artists to gain visibility, exchange creative ideas, and demonstrate the impact of digital tools on artistic expression. ITML also ensures the seamless functionality of both the e-learning platform and the Virtual Exhibition, incorporating user-friendly features and responsive design to enhance the overall learning and exhibition experience.
For more information, visit the official project website: https://digi-helicon.eu/
Acknowledgment
The project DIGI-HELICON has received funding from the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme under the Grant Agreement No. 2022-1-DE02-KA220-ADU-000086615.
