The consortium's objectives were as follows: 1. To develop specialized training in the field of sculpture that can adapt to contemporary challenges Students and professors participating in the program developed their digital and language skills, worked with recycled materials, and experimented with new teaching methods. 2. Create synergies between higher education stakeholders in sculpture in Europe to respond to new challenges in the discipline To overcome budgetary constraints, the aim of the program was to share resources (digital, material, pedagogical) and gain visibility and attractiveness on a European scale. 3. Create economic and cultural ecosystems around sculpture in the respective territories of the partner institutions and in Europe. Links were created and others strengthened with associations, institutions, companies, and art centres in the territories of the partner institutions. 4. Acquire expertise in European cooperation. The objective was to develop this expertise while facilitating the mobility of young artists and professors.
The main need and motivation behind the development of the YES project was a cultural one. Recent social changes and multiple crises (pandemic, rising prices of materials, ecological and digital transitions) in Europe have created an urgent need to address new components in sculpture education and to rethink creative practices. The aim was to maintain a strong link between the artistic sector and what constitutes European culture at an in-depth level. The YES project consortium designed the project with the view that this generation of young European sculptors should come together to better understand their shared cultural history and develop their capacity for innovation. The YES project developed a pedagogical approach over three consecutive years, which served to create a long-term network promoting a common vision of European sculpture. Thanks to this professional network, a European stage has been created to support the works and careers of students, future professionals, during and after their studies. Thus, the YES project has materialized an experimental pedagogical cooperation, anchored in these current issues.