PIA: Play, Improvisation & Art I,II

23.9. – 1.10.2025, Smolnik, Slovenia

11.4. - 19.4.2026, Smolnik, Slovenia

PIA: Play, improvisation and art was two-part training course for youth workers where  the body, art, and play met in learning.

The expereince is best described in words of Greta, who took part in it: 

Such a special time to return to Smolnik for another round of Play, Improvisation and Art. We gathered together with around 30 participants in both Sept and now in April for 9 days in the beautiful arms of the mountains of Slovenia. I love how the first training was full of fog and msytery, difficult to see afar, we were quite stuck inside. I could witness nature in its dreamy state, others getting sick, how to still hold the space when people are falling out? There were still moments of playfulness, improvisation, embodiment - what I came here for. I loved the content that was given to us, a peak into trauma-informed spaces, contact improv and clay making which we had to destroy after - which is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters is the process, not the result.

The second time coming back with almost the same people was special to reconnect with them and deepen the bonds. This time it was for us to hold space which was beautiful to experience others sharing their gifts with us.

It rekindled the spark in me as well to hold space for others, being present, attuning with the group.

It was truly a space to connect with my body more, feel, sense, listen, move intuitively in connection with my environment and others.

The shadow theater brought so much light in the dark, how amazing it is to play with our shadows.

Thank you for Smolnik, the mountains to hold us here again. For letting me see your beauty in more clarity, seeing more afar this time.

Thank you especially for Prija, Kristina, Jasper and Guseppe.

Thank you for Erasmus+ for funding these kinds of trainings, it's truly a gift!