Move in Med: Mobility Stories
The Erasmus+ project Ready, Steady, Go! might come at first sight as yet another usual European Union’s (EU) cooperation and mobility initiative, like so many others put in place throughout these years.Yet at times of escalating political and social turmoil, with growing uncertainties from the Middle East to the other side of the Atlantic, focusing on promoting young artists and cultural workers’ mobility in remote Mediterranean areas has become an extraordinary challenge and a noble mission for the partners – Roberto Cimetta Fund, Liv•in•g, Busart, Al Badil – L’alternative Culturelle, and Amuni.
The ability to move, connect, and exchange ideas across borders has always been a cornerstone of cultural and artistic work; in the same way as the Mediterranean has always been a region deeply shaped by centuries of exchanges and movements. Yet mobility and dialogue in this region are nowadays not a given. For many young artists and cultural professionals, especially those in remote areas, access to mobility remains a significant endeavour.This project was designed therefore to address this gap, creating new pathways for emerging talents to navigate and overcome barriers to mobility within their career paths.
Since its inception in 1999, the Roberto Cimetta Fund has been celebrating and promoting the value of cultural mobility in the Mediterranean. Beyond providing funding for the circulation of artists and other cultural practitioners, throughout the years it has realised that accessibility and capacity building were also essential so that opportunities are fully taken and rightly explored by the diversity that characterises this region. Hence this project’s focus on remote areas and those that rarely get the chance and/or the resources to move out and collaborate with others.
This publication reflects on the project’s achievements and amplifies the voices of young cultural practitioners whose journeys highlight the transformative power of mobility in their careers and communities. As mobility is more than just travel – it is a means of artistic expression, professional growth, and cultural dialogue. Through immersive workshops, virtual learning programmes, and international gatherings, it aimed at providing participants with the tools, networks, and inspiration needed to expand their artistic and professional horizons. Beyond skill-building, the project has fostered a sense of belonging, empowerment, and resilience among young artists striving to make an impact despite logistical, economic, and political constraints. Their stories here captured offer a compelling glimpse into the realities of cultural mobility in the Mediterranean today. From navigating visa restrictions to reimagining sustainable and equitable travel in times of climate change, their experiences shed light on both the obstacles and opportunities inherent in cross-border artistic engagement.
As we look ahead, this report serves as both a testament and a call to action. It reminds us of the urgent need to advocate for more inclusive and sustainable mobility policies that support young culture professionals in the Mediterranean and beyond. It also underscores the importance of solidarity, innovation, and context adaptability in the face of ever-evolving global challenges. By championing mobility as a fundamental right and a driver of creative exchange, we may ensure that artists and cultural practitioners continue to enrich societies, challenge boundaries, and inspire future generations.
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