At a time when education is associated with the laborious assimilation of difficult concepts, they inspire energy, joy and smiles. Through music, dance and travel, they want to convey to educators, parents and children’s activity leaders what is fundamental in life—knowledge. This time, it is knowledge about Europe.
The European Artistic Marathon (EMA), as it is called, is a project of the Muzylek Moni Artistic Education Centre. This is already its sixth edition, as the Artistic Marathon has been developed for many years. Last year’s edition focused on patriotism and attachment to the homeland (the Polish Artistic Marathon). From September, the European tour began, providing education about the entire continent.
“The European Artistic Marathon follows similar principles to the previous editions, but this year we have chosen a much broader theme: Europe. Once again, it is a series of three full-day workshops: music, sports and dance, and, as a new addition, travel. During each one, we discuss topics relating to European countries, their history and traditions. As you can easily guess, all these issues are addressed in ways corresponding to the workshop. If it is about music, we sing and play; if it is about dance, we create choreography; if it is about travel, we set off into the world of myths,” says Monika Kluza, president of CEA Muzylek Moni and one of the workshop leaders.
A lot is happening!
Original music and lyrics, choreography, colourful costumes and dramatisations of legends are just some of the attractions prepared by the instructors: Monika Kluza (music), Julita Jamza-Szik (dance) and Piotr Bielecki (travel). Every person taking part in the workshops receives tools for further work with children, including ready-made lesson plans with educational materials that can be used to conduct exactly the same activities demonstrated by the leaders during the workshops, three CDs with original music, their own completed works, a certificate of participation, and gifts from the event’s sponsors and partners.
“Since this is already the sixth edition of our project, participants know us well. This builds a bond, but above all shows that, alongside new members, people who have attended our workshops before return to us. This means that our work and our idea for education are unique, different and, most importantly for us, interesting to teachers and appreciated by them,” says Julita Jamza-Szik.
A truly exceptional project!
Like its predecessor, the European Artistic Marathon has been included in the multi-year “Niepodległa” programme, associated with the centenary of the restoration of independence and the rebuilding of Polish statehood.
“Although this year’s edition covers the topic of all Europe, it is, in a way, a continuation of what we did previously—the Polish Artistic Marathon. One of the workshop topics concerns our own country. We are Poles, so this important point on the map of Europe could not be missing from our Marathon,” says Piotr Bielecki.
The European Artistic Marathon project is being carried out with the special support of the First Lady of the Republic of Poland, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and under the honorary patronage of the Deputy Marshal of the Małopolskie Voivodeship, Łukasz Smółka.
Registration is still open!
The launch of this major project took place on 28 September in Kraków, and the next event will be held in Bolesławiec on 16 November. Everyone interested is invited to visit maratonartystyczny.pl. Join us—this is an event you cannot miss!