On 21 May 2026, the Horizon Europe research project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE) hosted the event Seeing Is Believing in Munich. The event was organised by the project’s German partner, the Technical University of Munich. The event brought together project partners from Finland, Poland, Lithuania, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Latvia. Daugavpils University was represented by professor and leading researcher Anita Stašulāne.

The event was preceded by a practical seminar on cultural literacy, during which participants explored how artificial intelligence can support children and young people in carrying out creative tasks that require both imagination and an understanding of physics. The project researchers also had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Technical University of Munich, where creative activities are used as an approach to teaching STEM subjects.

During the event, participants evaluated a tool developed within the project “Art Works for Change: Empowering Educators to Show and Communicate the Value of Arts-Based Education for Young People.” Working in groups, they discussed the quality of the tool and provided practical recommendations for its improvement. Arts-based education can have a significant impact on the lives of children and young people by providing opportunities for self-expression, identity formation, and relationship-building. However, within education systems that often prioritise short-term results, these long-term benefits can be difficult to demonstrate. To address this challenge, the project applies the Theory of Change and Social Return on Investment approaches to measure and communicate the sustainable value of arts-based education. The tool, designed for educators, is based on the principle that professionals working with young people in arts-based education should be able to demonstrate the lasting value and impact of their work.

The event participants visited the CLiViE project Pop-Up exhibition, which has found its home in the Munich cultural venue KunstLabor2, where a wide range of art experiences are offered on several floors for all age groups, with a special focus on younger and middle school children. The CLiViE project Pop-Up exhibition highlights the role of arts education in the development and well-being of young people across Europe. Using inspiring stories, research results and concrete examples, the exhibition summarises the most important conclusions from 28 case studies conducted in 7 EU countries, including Latvia. Visitors to the exhibition are provided with information about the main objectives of the project, and everyone is invited to share their thoughts on the future of arts-based education.

The event took place within the framework of the Horizon Europe research project “Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE, No. 101132285).

Further information about the event:
IHSS acting director, professor and leading researcher Anita Stašulāne
e-mail: anita.stasulane@du.lv

Further information about the CLiViE project:
IHSS Assoc. Prof. and leading reseacher Alīna Romanovska
e-mail: alina.romanovska@du.lv

The project has received funding from the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” Research and Innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 101132285.