The primary objectives of the Artpreneur project were enhancing the digital entrepreneurial skills of adult learners in the creative sector, with a focus on fostering self-employment and successful business ventures. Specifically, we aimed: Upskilling in Digital Entrepreneurship: To provide adult learners with the necessary competencies and skills to set up or improve their creative businesses through an innovative, easy-to-learn digital pathway. Enhancing Adult Educators' Competencies: To extend and develop the competencies of adult educators, enabling them to effectively run training that supports adult learners in becoming successful creative entrepreneurs. Developing a Self-Assessment Tool: To create tools for assessing and monitoring learners' achievements, ensuring transparency and recognition of their entrepreneurial skills. Creating Digital Learning Opportunities: To develop a comprehensive E-training program, "Artpreneur," that would be accessible and adaptable to the needs of adult learners, facilitating their engagement in lifelong learning. Promoting Entrepreneurship in the Creative Sector: To contribute to the growth and vitality of the creative industries.
Our decision to apply for the Artpreneur project originate from a keen recognition of specific needs within the creative sector. Through preliminary research, including two comprehensive surveys, we identified critical gaps that the project aimed to address: Lack of Digital Skills: Survey results revealed that a majority of adult learners in the creative sector, particularly those in design, visual arts, and music, lacked essential digital skills, especially in marketing. Challenges in Upskilling: Approximately 74% of these learners reported difficulties in gaining relevant skills through formal education channels. This issue was compounded by the finding that existing entrepreneurship courses often failed to effectively integrate creative sector knowledge with business acumen. Demand for Specialised Training: Adult educators expressed a need for increased knowledge and specialised programs tailored to the creative sector. Over 70% indicated a demand for entrepreneurial training in their local communities, seeing the project as an opportunity to develop innovative educational programs.