MAD MAX: Make Art from Discards – Maximize Arts
Esai en Roi
Anthokipoi Polichnis, Thessaloniki, Greece
Description
Reimagining Waste through Creativity, Dialogue, and Community Action In Thessaloniki, a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and vibrant public life, MAD MAXS – Make Art from Discards emerges as a creative campaign under the framework of the European Solidarity Corps activity “Maximize Arts and Creativity Skills.” This initiative brings together young volunteers, artists, journalists, and community members to confront one of the most pressing challenges of modern urban life—waste and overconsumption—by transforming discarded materials into symbols of renewal and social reflection. Through recycled art installations in parks and public spaces, open debates on circular economy and sustainable living, a symposium connecting environmental thinkers and cultural practitioners, and youth-led journalism that documents and amplifies these conversations, the campaign turns creativity into a catalyst for change.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Accommodation will be arranged in a welcoming residential setting that ensures participants’ comfort and cultural immersion. Living arrangements include the presence of a dedicated social mentor, who provides continuous guidance and support. This structure enables participants to focus fully on the project objectives, while benefiting from a safe, structured environment that encourages personal growth, team bonding, and meaningful interaction with the local community.
Training during the activity
Participants will attend two introductory trainings. The first, “Circular Thinking and Creative Reuse,” explores recycling challenges and how discarded materials can become resources for artistic creation in Thessaloniki’s public spaces. The second, “Creative Communication and Community Journalism,” equips volunteers with basic storytelling and reporting skills to document recycling issues, debates, and artistic activities, helping share the campaign’s message of sustainability and creativity with the wider community.
Participant profile
The project welcomes motivated young people who are interested in arts, creativity, sustainability, and community engagement, in line with the values of the European Solidarity Corps. Participants should show an interest or basic experience in areas such as visual arts, creative recycling, cultural initiatives, environmental awareness, community journalism, or social participation through art. Previous involvement in volunteering, cultural activities, awareness campaigns, or community-based projects will be considered an asset but is not required. Participants are expected to demonstrate motivation to contribute to solidarity actions, collaborate in an intercultural team, and engage in both practical and creative activities such as eco-art creation, documentation, storytelling, and public discussions related to sustainability and responsible use of materials. They should also be willing to learn, share ideas, and participate actively in the collective life of the project, while respecting the local community and cultural context of Thessaloniki. The project encourages applications from young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those who may benefit from participation in international solidarity activities, and aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity, sustainability, and social engagement can grow together.
Activity dates
From 15/07/2026 to 04/08/2026
Activity location
4, Eratosthenous Str. , Anthokipoi Polichnis, Thessaloniki, Greece
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Social challenges
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 06/04/2026 23:59
Project code
2025-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000346873