_edited.jpg)
Open Call
retreat training for young professionals dealing with mental health through arts
EMPOWERmental is a retreat training dedicated to young professionals working with the notion of mental balance. The 7-day programme will introduce different art-based methods with the aim to work towards a more sustainable, stress-free society. During this training, participants will have the chance to try out different embodied artistic practices for improving their own mental balance. This experience aims to equip participants with useful and easy-to-adapt tools that can be introduced to their own general practice. The retreat training provided by Hungarian, Slovak and Czech experts introduce a holistic approach inspired by various performing art sectors (dance, theatre and music) as well as other fields such as yoga, breathing techniques and art therapy. EMPOWERmental aims to promote the importance of mental balance and well-being both in one’s professional and personal life.
For whom?
Our programme is open for any artist, facilitator, social and youth worker, mental health professional or anyone who aims to learn tools and methods to contribute to one’s mental balance and who aims to embed them into their own practice.
We are looking for young professionals (aged between 18 - 30 coming from one of the partner countries: Hungary, Slovakia or the Czech Republic) working with a specific (not necessarily regular) target group aiming to support their mental health journey.
Selected participants based on professional experience and motivation will be supported to participate but a symbolic participation fee is required.
What is going to happen?
We'll start the program by getting to know each other by exploring your connections to mental health. Then, we'll delve into stress management techniques inspired by Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book "The Cure for Burnout" and learn how bodily practices can help you complete the stress cycle and release tension.
Throughout the program, you'll also explore the importance of community and how to create a common dynamic that promotes everyone's well-being. You'll learn how to give and receive in a mindful way and connect with others through games and exercises from the performing arts field.
In addition, you'll get to participate in a variety of activities that encourage you to get outside, move your body, and explore the world around you. From walking and wandering to Contact Improvisation, you'll learn to embody the space and be present in the moment.
Finally, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences with mental health and share your insights with others in a safe and supportive environment. You'll learn how to stay motivated, prevent depression, and build resilience through Fanny's "Naturaleza" program and Kat's honest story about her journey with depression.
There will be free time between sessions, as well as gentle awakening sessions, meals, and optional care time sessions offered by the trainers.
Who are we?
Ziggurat Project is an independent, interdisciplinary art collective based in Budapest, collaborating on local and international projects in the cultural and educational fields since 2015. In recent years, our organization is triggered by the possibility of connecting performing art-based methods and mental health. We have been supported by the Tandem Europe program to collaborate on a research-creation project entitled Co-warming (2019-2020) about the mental balance of working communities with Elena Guinta art therapist and social design expert and the Italian social enterprise Larius. We have created the workshop and project EMPOWERmental based on that research and our own experience working not only with professional performers and cultural managers but also with youth and adults in different local and international collaborations. We adapted the workshop for the 16-18-year-old age group and collaborated with many Hungarian high schools, focusing on tools supporting mental and physical balance in the midst of pandemic anxiety and the challenges of remote education. We had the opportunity to hold workshops in the frame of several international collaborations or events, such as the Istanbul Fringe Festival or the Anti-Bullying Movement Series Erasmus+ project. EMPOWERmental has been selected among the winning projects of the Good Impact Sustainability Fair 2021.
Partners
Ziggurat Project, Budapest, Hungary
Trainers
Flóra Eszter Sarlós (HU) is a choreographer, yoga teacher, co-founder, and artistic director of Ziggurat Project. Currently, she is learning the TRE method and practicing motherhood.
Fanny Hajdú (HU) is a facilitator, drama pedagogue, and member of Ziggurat Project. Her current interest lies in creating embodied participatory experiences by applying movement and senses.
Katarína Rampáčková (SK) is a choreographer, performer, teacher, dance activist, and co-founder of PST. Her work is based on somatic practice.
Tímea Szőke (HU), is an art and design manager, and Hatha Yoga and Yoga Flow teacher practising for her own and small groups' pleasure. Also, the president of Ziggurat Project.
Dates
Arrival: 11 Apr
Training days: 12 - 19 Apr
Departure: 19 Apr
Participation fee
280 EUR which includes:
-
accommodation for 8 days
-
3 meals a day (locally produced & organic)
-
participation in all the programmes
Participants are expected to organise their travels and cover their costs from their hometowns to Komařice. We will provide information and logistic help if needed.
The project is supported by the International Visegrad Fund.
Contact
In case of any further question, don't hesitate to contact us in mail via zigguratpro@gmail.com or by phone on +36702540744.
