CLOWNNECTION . 2025 . FRANCE
CLOWNnection was not just a training.
It was a journey into the beauty of being human: vulnerable, curious, creative, and deeply connected.
The project brought together twenty-six youth workers and artists from across Europe for a ten-day residential training. During this exchange, participants experienced non-formal education tools inspired by the art of clowning, a powerful source of creativity, resilience, and emotional awareness.
Through practice, play, and collective reflection, participants explored how clowning can open access to joy, laughter, and authenticity, allowing us to release social pressure and reconnect with our emotions. The project responded to a shared need to create spaces for emotional expression and to promote emotional literacy as a foundation for well-being and identity building, particularly among young people.
We encouraged curiosity and creativity. Together with participants, we reimagined new ways of accompanying young people, valuing inclusion and the uniqueness of each individual. CLOWNnection was an opportunity to strengthen the sense of belonging through shared experience, empathy, and play.
IN A NUTSHELL
▶ Dates : 1-12th September 2025
▶ Location : Vayrac, France
▶ Who : 26 artivists passionate about exploring clowning and visual facilitation to enrich their future educational and collaborative practices.
▶ Where from : France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Latvia.
OUR HOME
We were hosted at La Base de Plein Air de Mazes, in Vayrac (46110), a former walnut forest converted into a creative space along the powerful river Dordogne".
The charming old stone buildings were transformed into dining and activity halls, while participants stayed in cozy wooden cabins on stilts.
The chickens of La Base were our funny lovely pets, and nature all around was the perfect setting for inspiration, community, and laughter.
PROJECT
CLOWNnection focused on clowning techniques such as flexibility, presence, emotional depth, and connection with others as tools for non-formal education. We started by getting to know each other through play, laughter, and the language of images. As trust grew, we began experimenting, performing, and creating together. Through drawing, movement, silence, and laughter, each day brought new ways to listen to ourselves and others.
Our journey culminated in small collective performances (ACT I), an oracle publication (ACT II), and a final show (ACT III): a real, open event where we shared our creations with the local community. We had a joyful encounter with other associations, curious neighbours, and even local journalists, who found inspiration for the territory in our work. On our last day, we reflected on our experience and considered how it could continue to grow in our practices, communities, and future Erasmus+ projects.
Through experiential learning, group reflection, and art-based facilitation, participants discovered innovative ways to engage young people and foster emotional expression. Through laughter, curiosity, and care, we discovered that the clown is not just a character, but also a way of being in the world: present, connected, and deeply human.
OUTCOMES
Collective Creations:
A tapestry of laughter, drawings, and stories born from our shared exploration. CLOWNnection's collective creations invite us to wander through emotions, imagination, and absurdity, where meaning meets nonsense and vulnerability becomes art.
Our Clown Oracle is a playful guide for the curious soul, offering a blend of images and words that whisper from the edge of intuition. It reflects our discoveries, fragilities, and the joy of learning through connection.
N.B.: this space will continue to grow. Soon, you will find our Booklet of Learnings here, which is a collection of reflections, methods, and inspirations to incorporate clowning and visual facilitation into non-formal education.
Meet the Team
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Bruno Morera
FACILITATOR
A multidisciplinary artist with years of experience in nomadic companies, Bruno has worked as a musician, clown, street artist, and acrobat. His expertise spans stage direction, clown performance, and collective improvisation. Having collaborated with renowned artists like Loco Brusca, Jango Edwards, and John Melville, he brings a deep understanding of physical expression and presence.
Trained in contemporary dance, butoh, acroyoga, and Thai massage, Bruno combines body awareness with inclusive group facilitation, creating engaging and transformative experiences for participants.
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Ilaria Fresa
FACILITATOR
A visual facilitator passionate about using visual language to support learning processes, Ilaria helps individuals and groups explore their full potential. With a background in political sciences and international relations, she has led and coordinated numerous non-formal education projects across Europe.
Her expertise in cooperative learning and visual facilitation brought an additional layer of clarity and creativity to the CLOWNnection journey.
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Julia Baggiani
COORDINATOR
Julia designs creative projects with diverse audiences, striving for more equitable educational relationships. Her experience with autistic people, women survivors of violence, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds nurtures her inclusive and empathetic approach.
In CLOWNnection, Julia coordinated the project and contributed her tools and insights into youth empowerment and creative education.
This project has been co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. If you would like to find out more about
the programme, please visit European Commission’s webpage here.
