The International Suitcase

The International Suitcase was an international project that enabled cultural and artistic exchange between young people in the UK and Brazil. The project was piloted in 2010 and awarded the ‘Inspire’ mark by the Cultural Olympiad, recognising The International Suitcase as “an outstanding project inspired by the Olympics”. 

“Travel doesn't merely broaden the mind. It makes the mind,” said novelist Bruce Chatwin.  The International Suitcase provided young people with the benefits of international exchange where travel is not possible.  In exploring the Olympics as a rich connection between the two host cities, this project will offered a unique, safe and exciting platform for young people in all six host boroughs, to discover, explore and value themselves through the process of developing artistic skills, celebrating diversity and global citizenship, and deepening knowledge of their own and other cultures from both local and international perspectives. 

Through these multiple perspectives, The International Suitcase provoked debate about the importance of the Olympics as an event that celebrates diversity and also about what affect the Olympics can have on two of the world’s greatest cities both socially and economically.  We aim to create a space where young people can develop their capacity for self-expression and interactivity, whilst nurturing community cohesion and vitality.