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In Togo and Mali, these challenges are compounded by rapid urbanisation, limited access to arts education, and fragile civic structures. In many neighbourhoods, cultural infrastructure is either absent or inaccessible. Public space is rarely used as a platform for artistic or civic engagement. Youth, though a demographic majority, often feel unheard and unseen in public discourse and creative industries.

The Urban Resonances project directly addresses these gaps by revitalising youth centres and activating public spaces as accessible cultural platforms. It does so through participatory puppetry, visual arts, and performance tools known for their power to communicate across literacy, language, and social divides. By placing young people at the centre of artistic creation, the project promotes self-expression, dialogue, and social cohesion. The project also responds to a lack of cross-border collaboration and regional artistic mobility in West Africa. By bringing together artists and youth from Togo, and Mali, it fosters regional solidarity and the sharing of diverse cultural perspectives.

Revitalising youth centres and public spaces as accessible cultural platforms

Urban Resonances is a cross-border artistic initiative that transforms youth centres into vibrant cultural hubs through puppetry, visual arts, and public performances. Led by two West African associations Kadam-Kadam (Togo), and Nama (Mali), the project engages marginalised youth aged 20 to 30 from urban and peri-urban communities. Through artistic residencies, co-creations, and participatory workshops, young people collaborate with professional puppeteers and visual artists to create site-specific performances inspired by their stories and cultural heritage. These performances animate public spaces and spark civic dialogue through creative expression.

Beyond the shows, Urban Resonances promotes inclusion, cultural democratisation, and youth empowerment. It builds bridges between communities and countries, and lays the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven cultural activation. By putting young people at the heart of artistic creation and transforming everyday spaces into shared cultural landscapes, Urban Resonances embodies the programme’s vision of inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable cultural ecosystems.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4, Quality Education (Target 4.7): The project offers non-formal education through artistic workshops in puppetry, visual arts, and performance, especially for marginalised youth aged 12–25. These creative learning spaces develop critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. Activities also promote education for sustainable development, cultural awareness, and active citizenship, core targets of SDG 4.7.
• SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4): By transforming underutilised youth centres into cultural hubs and activating public spaces through art, the project strengthens the cultural dimension of urban life. It makes the city more inclusive and fosters ownership and pride in public spaces. The visible legacy (e.g., murals, performances) contributes to preserving and promoting local culture and intangible heritage.
• SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities (Target 10.2): The project promotes social inclusion by targeting youth from disadvantaged urban and peri-urban areas, who often face systemic exclusion from cultural participation. It creates platforms for their voices to be heard, while also fostering cross-border and intergenerational dialogue, helping to reduce inequalities in access to culture and civic engagement.
• SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals: Urban Resonances is built on multi-stakeholder collaboration among African and European organisations, youth centres, public institutions, and local communities. It models a new approach to international cultural cooperation, horizontal, participatory, and rooted in local needs, contributing directly to Target 17.17 on effective partnerships.