TOWCHED

What

TOWCHED is a project coordinated by the University of Valencia and funded by Horizon, which develops educational processes in museum and heritage contexts using contemporary artistic practices to promote civic engagement, public participation, and eco-social sustainability. Its aim is to investigate, map, and demonstrate the transformative potential of art and heritage in the education of students (children and adolescents), using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework.

This project seeks to broaden the educational focus by promoting an education that not only develops knowledge and skills but also fosters attitudes and behaviors that contribute to steering us towards desirable futures. TOWCHED aligns with the notion of education as a cornerstone in engaging with one’s environment and providing essential competencies for social inclusion and critical citizenship.

How

The objective of TOWCHED is the creation and development of practical tools for museums and cultural centers, structured in several phases of implementation.

The initial phase begins with a preliminary mapping of best practices and benchmark projects in the fields of education and culture. This phase also includes a series of discussion groups to gather insights and perspectives from key stakeholders.

Next, a co-design and development process for educational interventions will be carried out, focusing on environmental issues. This stage will involve the educational community, ensuring that the tools created are both replicable and scalable, serving as models for future initiatives. ZEMOS98 is responsible for coordinating this process.

In parallel, the project will collaborate with the New European Bauhaus and other transdisciplinary initiatives, working with museums and cultural organizations from different countries, such as Greece, Latvia, and Spain, to develop innovative educational methodologies based on heritage collections.

Finally, an evaluation and dissemination of results will be conducted, analyzing the impact of the educational interventions and sharing the findings to ensure their influence on education and training across Europe.

Additionally, the project aims to foster inclusion by ensuring participation not only from professionals in the field but also from underrepresented stakeholders, such as primary and secondary school students. This approach helps to redefine the conventional notion of heritage.

Why