Follow Up Cyprus

Follow-Up Activity Report: Soul on Canvas – Cyprus

Date: January 26, 2025, Location: Pissouri, Cyprus

Organizer: ACPELIA

Event: Annual Vasilopita Cutting & Dissemination Activity

Introduction

The follow-up activity for the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Soul on Canvas" took place on January 26, 2025, in Pissouri, Cyprus. The event was part of the annual Vasilopita cutting celebration, organized by ACPELIA, and included a dedicated segment for the dissemination of project results.

This activity aimed to extend the impact of Soul on Canvas, promoting art as a tool for mental well-being and showcasing the outcomes achieved during the youth exchange.

Objectives of the Follow-Up Activity

  • Raise awareness about the project and its key outcomes among local stakeholders and youth.
  • Showcase participant experiences and their artistic work from the project.
  • Encourage the integration of art-based mental health practices within the community.
  • Disseminate Erasmus+ opportunities and inspire more young people to engage in similar initiatives.

Activity Overview

The event was attended by local youth, community members, educators, and representatives from ACPELIA. The follow-up activity included:

Project Presentation:

Participants shared insights into their experience during the Soul on Canvas youth exchange, explaining how the project helped them explore self-expression through art. A visual slideshow featured photos and testimonials from the exchange.

Networking & Erasmus+ Promotion:

Information about Erasmus+ programs and upcoming opportunities was shared with the audience.

Local youth were encouraged to engage in future projects related to mental health, creativity, and self-development.

The January 26, 2025, follow-up event in Pissouri successfully reinforced the impact of Soul on Canvas, highlighting the importance of art as a means of self-expression and mental well-being. Through this activity, ACPELIA and the participating youth helped extend the project's reach, ensuring its message continues to resonate within the Cypriot community.

This event marks a successful continuation of the Soul on Canvas project, fostering a lasting impact on youth and the broader community.

Online dissemination 

Evaluation Paragraphs from Participants 

Apostolia Analyte: Soul on Canvas was a truly inspiring experience for me. I have always loved drawing, but I never realized how much art could help with self-expression and mental well-being. Through the workshops, I learned how colors, shapes, and textures can reflect emotions and tell personal stories. I also met amazing people from different countries who shared their own creative journeys. This project made me feel more confident in expressing myself and helped me see art as more than just a hobby—it's a powerful tool for communication and healing."

Kyriaki Vasileiou: "I joined Soul on Canvas because I wanted to explore new ways to be creative, but I never expected it to have such an emotional impact on me. The activities helped me connect with my feelings in a way that words never could. I realized that I often bottle up emotions, but painting allowed me to release them in a safe and meaningful way. I also gained new artistic skills that I now use in my graphic design projects. This experience has inspired me to continue using art as a form of self-expression and personal growth."

Nikolaos Misetzis: "Before this project, I never considered myself artistic, but I quickly learned that art is not just about talent—it's about expression. The creative exercises helped me open up emotionally and understand myself better. I particularly loved the abstract painting workshop, where I could let go of perfectionism and just paint based on how I felt. Now, I want to explore how art therapy can be used to help young people deal with stress and anxiety. Soul on Canvas changed the way I see creativity, and I'm grateful for this experience."

Stephani Anastasiou: "One of the most valuable things I learned in Soul on Canvas is that art creates a space where people feel safe to share their emotions. During the project, I saw how painting, music, and storytelling allowed participants to express things they wouldn't normally talk about. This was especially powerful during the group activities, where we learned to support and listen to each other. I plan to use these ideas in my future work with young people, encouraging them to use creative expression as a way to improve their mental well-being."

Charalampos Nikolaou: "Being one of the youngest participants, I was a little nervous at first, but Soul on Canvas quickly became one of the best experiences of my life. I loved how the project encouraged us to express our emotions without worrying about being judged. The painting sessions helped me process my thoughts in a way I had never tried before. I also made wonderful friendships that I will cherish forever. This project has given me the confidence to keep exploring art and to use creativity as a way to express myself."

Kyriaki Vasiliou: "I come from a music background, so I was curious about how visual art could be used for emotional expression. Soul on Canvas showed me that creativity is universal, whether through painting, music, or storytelling. One of the most memorable moments for me was creating a collaborative artwork with the other participants, where we each contributed something personal to the piece. It was amazing to see how different styles and emotions came together to form something beautiful. This experience has motivated me to explore more creative ways to combine music and visual arts."

Rana: "As someone who wants to work with young people in the future, this project was an eye-opening experience. It showed me that art can be a powerful tool for helping people open up and communicate their emotions. The activities were not just about painting; they were about understanding ourselves and each other. I saw firsthand how art builds confidence and brings people together. After this project, I am motivated to introduce more creative methods in education to help students express themselves freely."

Gita: "Leading a group of young participants in Soul on Canvas was an incredibly rewarding experience. Watching them grow throughout the project—both artistically and emotionally—was truly inspiring. Many arrived feeling unsure about their creative abilities, but by the end, they had not only embraced artistic expression but also gained confidence in themselves. The project reinforced my belief in the power of non-formal education and creative methodologies to promote mental well-being. I am eager to integrate these approaches into future Erasmus+ projects and local youth initiatives."

Nikolas: "As an educator, I have always looked for innovative ways to support young people's emotional development, and Soul on Canvas provided a perfect platform to do that. The project showed how creativity, when combined with structured learning activities, can have a lasting impact on personal growth. Seeing participants engage in deep discussions through their artwork was eye-opening, as it proved that art is a universal language for expressing emotions. This experience has given me new strategies to incorporate art-based mental health initiatives into youth work and education programs in Cyprus."

Boghos: "One of the most powerful aspects of this project was witnessing young people step out of their comfort zones. Many of them initially hesitated to express themselves through art, but as the week progressed, they embraced creativity as a tool for self-reflection. The group dynamic also played a huge role in fostering emotional connections, as participants supported each other in their artistic journeys. This project has strengthened my approach as a youth mentor, encouraging me to use more creative methodologies to support mental health and self-expression in future initiatives."

The Cypriot participants in Soul on Canvas described the experience as transformative, empowering, and deeply emotional. Many discovered new ways to express their emotions through art, while others gained valuable skills for their future careers in psychology, social work, and education. The project provided a safe space for creativity, intercultural learning, and emotional well-being, equipping participants with artistic techniques they will carry forward in their personal and professional lives.

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