By implementing the Art Attack Project, we aimed to achieve the following objectives: Equip Youth Workers, Educators, and Art Experts with Innovative Methods: We seeked to provide professionals working with youth with new, creative tools and methods to support and empower themselves and the young people they work with, particularly in terms of mental health and personal development. Empower Young Artists: Our goal was to empower 10 young artists from the three participating countries, enhancing their sense of initiative and fostering their creative growth through innovative learning settings such as Artist Residencies and collaborative art projects. Promote International and Transsectorial Cooperation: The project aimed to strengthen cooperation across borders and sectors, fostered partnerships between youth organizations, art professionals, and educators. This helped creating a sustainable network that promoted further exchange of knowledge and practices beyond the project’s duration. Through these objectives, we aimed to help young people overcome the mental health challenges posed by the pandemic, while fostering creativity, collaboration, and resilience.
We applied for the Art Attack Project to address the mental health challenges and loss of motivation many young people had experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. Reports from WHO and UNICEF highlighted that 27% of youth reported anxiety, 15% faced depression, and many had lost interest in activities they once enjoyed. Beyond these statistics, we observed similar issues in our communities, with young people struggling with uncertainty and a lack of initiative. Mental health is essential for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and supporting youth in overcoming these challenges is crucial. This project used art and creativity to boost motivation, build self-confidence, and foster resilience in youth. Additionally, the project aimed to develop a stronger sense of purpose, improving their chances for success. The partner composition ensured a unique, interdisciplinary approach, blending youth work and artistic expertise. With activities like Artist Residencies, the project offered creative learning experiences, benefiting both youth and professionals. These innovations made the project deserving of funding and support.