The rapid growth and changes in today’s world need young professionals to continuously update their green and digital skills. Recognizing this, seven VET institutions across Europe have launched a new Erasmus+ KA2 project aimed at integrating natural paints into design and arts training programs. This initiative will not only improve students’ qualifications but also empower them to contribute to sustainability in the creative industries.
The project aims to equip young artists, designers, and creative professionals with essential green and digital skills, ensuring they remain competitive in the labor market. By incorporating natural paints into their curriculum, these institutions attempt to take care of a new generation of sustainability-minded professionals.
The collaboration involves conducting regional studies to explore the traditions and opportunities of plant-based dyeing and painting. To facilitate this, the partners will organize a series of training events and establish experimental school gardens. The findings and outcomes of this innovative project will be shared on the Plant&Paint digital platform, an open resource for all.
The project is set to achieve several key outcomes such as enhanced competitiveness, increasing the digitalisation and internationalization of VET organizations through cross-border collaboration; development of green skills, promoting sustainable practices among students and encouraging their contribution to a green economy. And, finally, an open educational resource, launching the Plant&Paint platform to provide complete information on natural paints and their applications.
The coordinator of the project will be Makslu izglitibas kompetences centrs «Daugavpils Dizaina un makslas vidusskola SAULES SKOLA» from Latvia and the partner organizations will be scuola d’arte applicata Andrea Fantoni from Italy, CIFP MENDIZABALA LHII from the Basque Country, Střední škola umění a designu a Vyšší odborná škola Brno, příspěvková organizace from Czechia, Valkeakosken seudun koulutuskuntayhtymä from Finland, 1 EPAL N. IONIAS from Greece and Escola Artística de Soares dos Reis from Portugal.
This project aligns with several Erasmus+ policy priorities such as the environment and climate change, promoting the use of sustainable art supplies to reduce carbon footprints; innovation in VET, researching and applying natural plant pigments in design and arts. And, finally, adapting VET to labor market needs, preparing students for green jobs in line with the European Green Deal. This ambitious project will run from September 2024 to December 2026.
The project introduces the professional use of natural paints, an area traditionally omitted despite its potential for sustainable development. By documenting and sharing research findings through the Plant&Paint platform, the project will offer valuable resources for both the general public and professionals.
This initiative brings together VET schools from different regions of Europe, fostering collaboration and sharing of resources. The diverse geographical and cultural perspectives will enhance the project’s reach and effectiveness, making a significant impact on Vocational Training and sustainable good practices across Europe.
In summary, this Erasmus+ KA2 project represents a groundbreaking effort to integrate green and digital skills into Vocational Training, promoting sustainability and innovation in the creative industries. Through international collaboration and comprehensive research, it aims to prepare for a more eco-conscious future in art and design education.
