Context The Communauté d’Agglomération de l’Espace Sud Martinique (CAESM), a public body of the south part of Martinique (French overseas territory in the Caribbean), decided in 2012 to implement a project called in Creole « Kan’naval Nou » or « Our Carnival » in its English translation. This project originated in the observation of the undeveloped potential of our carnival as a touristic product and a local economic development opportunity. The success of neighbouring countries like Brazil, which developed a real expertise in the carnival industry are examples to follow. It is a matter of fact that: * Our south territory represents the more touristic potential of the island, * Each year we organize a parade in the south during Carnival for “lundi gras” * A lot of young people participate in carnival but not in an organized or professional manner, * Unemployment and social difficulties are a heavy burden on our population, and especially in the youth population who can lose hope in the future. We decided to use the Youth Exchange programme of Erasmus+ as a first step of this global project. Portugal and the partner Associação Cultural Ginga Brasil Capoeira, are the ideal choice for us to get a first touch of the lusophone culture hence of Brazil and its famous carnival. Aims & Objectives • Develop the artistic sensitivity and capacity of the young Portuguese and Martinicans, through capoeira initiation and discovery of Martinique’s carnival culture • Engage the young Portuguese and Martinicans in an artistic collaborative activity around capoeira and carnival themes • Stimulate the consciousness of cultural similarities and differences through dialogue and debate between the young Potuguese and Martinicans Target Group Young people from the south territory of Martinique and Portugal with less-opportunities, aged between 18 to 30 years old, with a strong interest in culture, arts & craft and carnival fields. Description This youth exchange between the young Martinicans and Portuguese will be implemented this way: • Workshops: Capoeira initiation, Carnival music & rythm, “flash'mob” preparation • Photo gallery on Martinique Carnival (History, specific characters, parade groups, costumes) • Debate : Integrating into the EU culture being from an immigrant background or an overseas territory, women in street arts... • Field visits (museums, cultural centres, schools, festivals) • Blog creation and management by the youngsters Approach Use of arts, culture and dialogue as means of integration in the society for young people with less- opportunities from immigrant background or from European overseas territory. Benefits For the target group: • Better self-confidence • Culturally open-minded • Better educational and career planning or job search outlook • New artistic inspiration with the use of capoeira or carnival sub-culture For the stakeholders: • Better networking with the local partners on European mobility • Discovery of new ways of working and methods for both partners • New experience of a project management using the Erasmus+ programme • Cultural discovery and exchange for both partners • Implementing the international mobility policy especially for the youth of the South territory of Martinique