On the latest episode of Urban Canvas, dancer, performer, and youth worker Nina-Noutsa Poulouzasvili joins host Pavlos Christou to unpack how movement can serve as a powerful vehicle for activism, critical thinking, and social engagement. From her roots in Georgia to leading youth initiatives in Cyprus, Nina-Noutsa brings a dynamic perspective to the intersection of art and social impact.

Nina-Noutsa, who originally trained in architectural interior design, speaks about how structure and symmetry from architecture influence her movement in styles like hip-hop, waacking, popping, and contemporary dance. Her creative journey eventually led her to YEU Cyprus, where she now serves as director, implementing youth empowerment programs rooted in non-formal education and cultural exchange.

“Teaching dance allows me to stay connected with young people,” she explains. “It’s through that connection that activism naturally unfolds.”

The conversation dives into how hip-hop culture, born out of socio-political struggle, continues to provide a framework for social commentary and community building. Nina-Noutsa emphasizes that the classroom is not just a space for instruction—it’s a space for co-creation, where issues are explored collaboratively and new stories emerge organically.

A standout example is the award-winning project Art Act Distract, which Nina-Noutsa co-developed with local NGO Alternative Brains Rule. Through this initiative, emerging artists were encouraged to create public interventions in urban spaces, including a striking installation titled Under the Tent, It’s Still Raining. It shed light on children’s experiences of war and displacement by combining soundscapes, interactive art, and public participation.

“We saw people from opposite sides of conflict start conversations,” Nina-Noutsa recalls. “It was raw and real.”

Nina-Noutsa doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges facing youth in Cyprus—especially in the arts. Limited access to funding, lack of recognition for street dance, and rigid definitions of “high art” create barriers for young creatives. However, she remains hopeful, championing a more inclusive, flexible educational model that meets youth where they are.

Looking ahead, YEU Cyprus is preparing to launch “Each One Teach One,” a year-long volunteering project welcoming international creatives to collaborate in Cyprus through hip-hop, arts, and sports. Nina-Noutsa encourages interested youth to follow YEU’s channels for upcoming opportunities.

The episode wraps with a message from Nina-Noutsa to young artists:

“Be honest about your why. If it comes from the heart, it will resonate—and you’ll find others who feel the same.”