TASSU – Dance and music as sources of social inclusion and agency (Tanssi ja musiikki sosiaalisen osallisuuden ja toimijuuden lähteenä)
1 November 2023 - 31 October 2025
Humanities
Our goal in the TASSU project is to prevent social exclusion by creating innovative approaches through music and dance. We aim to develop tools and models that support and enhance participation and an active role for those who have been marginalized or are disadvantaged. Our intention is to equip professionals working with these groups with new skills and methods that incorporate dance and music into their work.
Our main objective is to embed these models and practices so deeply within these organizations that they become integral and sustainable aspects of their operations, no longer just temporary solutions. We want dance and music not only to be art forms but also tools that build and promote social inclusion and active participation.
What do we do in the project?
To begin with, we conduct a survey to understand the needs and current practices of the target group’s organizations when working with their clients. We evaluate the suitability of dance and music for the target group’s needs.
Next, we create a technology-mediated platform for the dance and music toolkit and develop presentation and training materials in collaboration with professionals. To achieve this, we organize three co-creation workshops, some of which take place online. We also produce videos from some workshops offering teaching and practical tips for dance and music.
Finally, we test these models and integrate them into the organizations’ operations. We arrange four thematic collaboration days to gather feedback and further develop the models. We support the integration of these models into the organizations by mentoring and coaching professionals.
What do we want to achieve during the project?
We will create models and an electronic toolkit that supports the organization in using dance and music education for various needs. This toolkit provides teachers and organizations with practical tools for their daily work, further training, and the development of new services.
We will embed dance and music models into organizations, integrating them into the operations of well-being, social, health, rehabilitation, and art-related organizations. This promotes the sustained inclusion of art-based methods in organizational activities and creates new networks among various stakeholders.
What will remain after the project?
As a result of the project, organizations in the well-being, rehabilitation, arts, social, and health sectors will enhance their expertise in using dance and music as part of their practices. This will lead to the creation of new models and tools that promote social inclusion and active agency within these organizations.
Funding and cooperation in the project
The North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment has granted funding from the European Social Fund for the TASSU project.
The main implementer of the project is Oulu University of Applied Sciences, with Diak as the co-implementer.
