A joint project by the St. Francis Foundation, the Zanotta Art Association and the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation

Project description
The St. Francis Foundation of Deva was established in 2002. The aim of this institution is to promote the interests and the emotional and social development of deprived children as well as to support traditional activities and education. The foundation endeavours to support children in the fields of care, education and occupational orientation.

The artistic festival “Himmelhoch” (As high as the sky) takes place from 3 - 9 August 2009 in Szováta in Romania. The festival is a joint project by the Zanotta Art Association, the St. Francis Foundation and the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation. By means of artistic education, the festival aims to teach the deprived children looked after at St. Francis’s how to develop personal assets such as self-assessment, self-management and occupational orientation as well as how to master mental problems.

The Himmelhoch-Festival lasts for one week and offers courses in painting, glass art, wood carving, film production, singing and media communications alongside theatre productions and concerts. Additionally, a fantasy village with tradesmen/women and craftsmen/women will be created in which the children can learn traditional art by means of games and contests. The courses will be held by 9 famous actors from different countries. Visitors have free access to all festival events and courses.

Project title
Himmelhoch / As high as the sky – Artistic course and festival for children
A joint project by St. Francis Foundation, the Zanotta Art Association and the Lyoness Child & Family Foundation

Project location
Szováta / Maros – Romania: Festival
Budapest – Hungary: Preliminary work

Project time frame 
April 2009 - December 2009

Project objective
To boost the artistic education, self-evaluation, self-management of mentally and emotionally handicapped children; help them with occupational orientation as well as how to deal with problems and disturbances. A further aim is to enhance cultural engagement and talent fostering, promoting the social interaction of various ethnic groups.

Group of beneficiaries
250 Romanian and Hungarian orphans

Project partner
Stiftung des heiligen Franziskus
Verein Zanotta Art

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