As part of the No Hate Speech Week and the Democracy Hackathon (17 – 19 June), the Council of Europe’s Roma and Travellers Division, in partnership with the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), organised a dynamic workshop entitled “Roma Art of Resistance – Using Arts and Culture to Challenge Stereotypes and Combat Antigypsyism in Europe.”
The workshop brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to explore how creative expression and cultural heritage can serve as powerful tools to counter stereotypes, combat hate speech, and promote inclusive democratic societies.
Arts as Resistance: From Reflection to Action
Framed by the idea of moving from ARTivism to ACTivism, the session highlighted the transformative role of arts in addressing antigypsyism and discrimination. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on how artistic practices can go beyond awareness-raising and contribute to tangible social and institutional change.
The workshop created a space for critical reflection on how Roma communities have been represented in public discourse and how art can be used to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim identity. By combining creativity with civic engagement, participants explored new pathways for strengthening democratic participation and inclusion.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
A central highlight of the workshop was the contribution of Sead Kazanxhiu, a well-known contemporary Roma artist and Vice-Chair of the State Committee for National Minorities in Albania.
Drawing from his artistic and institutional experience, Kazanxhiu emphasised the importance of visual storytelling as a tool to:
- Reclaim Roma narratives and cultural identity
- Challenge deep-seated stereotypes and prejudices
- Influence public discourse and inspire institutional change
His intervention illustrated how art operates at the intersection of culture, advocacy, and policy, demonstrating its capacity to drive both societal and institutional transformation.
Youth Engagement and Democratic Innovation
Linked to the broader objectives of the Democracy Hackathon, the workshop also underscored the role of young people as drivers of innovation and democratic resilience.
Participants were encouraged to combine artistic approaches with digital and civic tools to:
- Counter online hate speech and antigypsyism
- Promote inclusive and accurate narratives about Roma communities
- Strengthen civic engagement in democratic processes
A Joint Commitment to Inclusion
The collaboration between ERIAC and the Roma and Travellers Division reflects a shared commitment to tackling antigypsyism and promoting Roma inclusion through innovative and participatory approaches, in line with the priorities of the Strategy for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2026 - 2030).
