AlacARTe
With AlacARTe, Lasso aims to encourage collaboration between organisations in youth welfare and those in the broader cultural sector (culture, heritage, the socio-cultural field). In this way, we seek to enhance the range of leisure activities available to children and young people cared for within youth welfare, by incorporating more cultural activities.
In Brussels, more than 3,500 children and young people are cared for annually by youth support services. The assistance offered can range from limited support to highly intensive specialised care in a closed setting. As with all children and young people, ‘free time’ is vitally important—discovering new things, developing talents, enjoying moments with peers, and so on. Despite the recognition of the right to free time, research shows that children and young people in youth welfare have reduced access to leisure opportunities. That is why Lasso, together with numerous partner organisations, wants to build bridges and promote collaboration around culture within youth welfare.
Lasso brings together potential partners, guides the process towards experimental trajectories, and ensures coordination among all parties involved. Within these trajectories, we work co-creatively with a group of children and young people to plan artistic and cultural activities. We pay particular attention to flexibility and to the resilience of their supervisors. We also focus on strengthening the skills of professionals and volunteers, through advice, workshops, and exchanges. The insights and experiences gained are actively shared with the Brussels sector and beyond.
We are shaping AlacARTe
with partners from the youth welfare sector: Try Out, Homaar and 't Pasrel. This project is made possible thanks to the support of the VGC
and additional aid from the National Bank of Belgium.
