Strengthening human rights

Hip hop, techno, punk, YouTube, parkour and skateboarding are forms of youth cultural expression that interest young people. We make use of this in our youth culture workshops, in which we combine lifeworld-oriented political education with various youth cultures. Together with young people, we DJ, spray, dance, skate and much more. Our many years of experience show that we can strengthen democratic attitudes and critically reflect attitudes of group-hatred with youth-friendly approaches and creatively practiced youth cultures.

Experiencing democratic values

For example, breakdancing, comic or YouTube workshops can be used to create informal learning spaces with young people that promote emancipatory and considerate interaction. Dealing with social issues is also a central element. Values such as justice, diversity, solidarity and co-determination, which otherwise often remain abstract for young people, can be experienced in practice through youth cultures. The experience of being able to participate creatively and culturally also strengthens democratic action and responsible interaction with one another.

Sustainable support for local youth work

Time and again, we experience that we can provide sustainable support for regional youth work with exemplary youth cultural work measures on current socio-political issues. Our participative offers for young people and their adult environment include workshops, project days, open spaces, future workshops, peer-to-peer training, social space inspections, situation assessments with regard to attitudes if group-hatred and violence as well as resource analyses for the respective environment.

The workshops in detail

Dance

What kind of music do you listen to in your everyday life? And what happens when you dance to it? In this dance workshop, you can try out different movements and steps and work with others to create your own choreography. No prior experience is necessary. We’ll explore music, rhythm, and our own bodies, and experiment with how movement can work both individually and in a group. It's not about being able to do something perfectly, but about trying things out, having fun, and getting active.

DJing-workshop with teenagers
Photo: Dirk Lamprecht

DJing

Have you always wanted to try for yourself what your favorite DJs do on TikTok? In the DJ workshop, you can not only listen to your favorite music, but also spin it yourself and see how a good mix comes together. We’ll also take a look at the techno scene and club culture: Who gets in, who gets left out, and what are the actual rules at the door?

Gaming

What makes games exciting? In this gaming workshop, we’ll explore different game genres, types of gamers, and digital game worlds. We’ll look at what makes a good story or quest and how characters, worlds, and game mechanics work together. Using our game Adamara and its editor, you can bring your own story to life as a game. You’ll develop characters, build a world, and experiment with how an idea can be turned into a playable adventure. This workshop requires at least two days.

Graffiti/Streetart

How does a wall become a canvas? This graffiti workshop explores the history of graffiti and street art, different styles, and the scene in your local area. We’ll look at how graffiti has evolved and what themes are visible on walls today. Then it’s time to get creative: We’ll design our own motifs, work with stencils and spray paint, and try out different techniques. You can develop your own style and figure out what you want to express right now. Bring some old clothes that are suitable, because graffiti is permanent...

Parkour

A wall, a fence, a bench—suddenly, your surroundings look completely different. In this parkour workshop, we’ll overcome obstacles, try out new moves and tricks, and get to know our own bodies in a whole new way. We’ll explore what we believe we’re capable of, where our limits lie, and how we can push those limits step by step. We might also discuss who can participate and what that might mean for people of different genders. Let's talk about your town: What opportunities are there in your town? What's missing? And what could you do to make a difference yourselves?

Graffiti-workshop at a school
Photo: cultures interactive

Rap & Beats

What does it take for a beat to be instantly recognizable, and what sound do you think is essential in every track? In the Rap & Beats workshop, you can build your own beats and experiment with how individual sounds come together to create your own track. The focus is on hip-hop—its elements, its history, current topics, and different artists and styles. We’ll listen closely, break down lyrics, do cyphers, and explore how language, flow, and beat work together. We can write lyrics, experiment with rhymes and flows, and work on our own beats.

Self-assertion for girls*

How can I tell when a boundary has been crossed? And how can I make it clear what I want, even when this is difficult? The self-assertion workshop for girls* focuses on boundaries, self-confidence, and being able to stand up for yourself in difficult situations. We’ll role-play different scenarios, talk about our own experiences, and brainstorm together what to do if someone doesn’t respect our boundaries or makes inappropriate comments. It's also about how you can support one another.

Skateboarding

Never stood on a board before? Or do you already skate regularly? Either way, you’re welcome. In the skateboarding workshop, you can try out a board, learn your first tricks, and find out more about skateboarding and its culture. Together, we’ll also check out skateparks and other spots in your area: What’s already there? What do you need to skate? And how can you help shape your local scene?

Skatepark
Photo: Unsplash / Hector Bermudez

Soccer Fan Culture

What makes your team your favorite? Why do so many people go to the stadium week after week, and what exactly is part of fan culture? We’ll talk about soccer on the field and in the stands, about teams, players, fans, and the atmosphere in the stadium. We’ll explore different forms of fan culture and get creative ourselves: banners, shirts, or other fan gear. We’ll also address the question of what role gender plays in soccer—both on the field and in the stands.

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