From 20 to 23 October 2026, Dr. philol. Ilze Kačāne, Leading Researcher at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (IHSS) of Daugavpils University (DU), participated in the international scientific conference “Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality” (TEEM’26), held in Porto, Portugal.

At the conference, I. Kačāne presented the research paper “Providing a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment: Observatory for Arts in Education”, co-authored with Marine Masson (Science for Change, Spain) and Michalis Mountantonakis (Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Greece). The research was conducted within the framework of the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme funded project “Promoting Understanding and Lifelong Learning Successful Education through the ARTs and culture” (PULSE-ART). The project brings together partners from several European countries to strengthen the role of arts and culture in education and lifelong learning, as well as to develop the competences of teachers and other education professionals.

The presentation was delivered in “Track 15. Safe and Supportive Educational Ecosystems Promoting Well-being, Diversity Awareness and Resilience”. The paper explored the digital platform – the PULSE-ART Observatory for Arts in Education – developed within the PULSE-ART project. The platform provides practical resources and arts-based learning tools, while also serving as a collaborative space for teachers, learners, artists, cultural professionals, creative industry representatives and policymakers. It promotes the integration of culture into education and supports arts-based learning approaches.

Participation in TEEM’26 provided an opportunity to introduce the solutions developed within the PULSE-ART project to the international academic community and to highlight the importance of arts and culture in creating inclusive, supportive educational environments that embrace diversity.

Additional information on the project:
PULSE-ART project manager in Latvia
DU IHSS leading researcher Ilze Kačāne
e-mail: ilze.kacane@du.lv

The project is supported by the European Union’s research and innovation programme “Horizon Europe” under Grant Agreement No. 101178988.