The YES project aimed to establish a new partnership network and strengthen the capacity of organisations. The goal was to connect organisations, enabling them to operate more efficiently and collaborate more broadly.The project involved 18 young participants from three countries, with the aim of equipping them with competencies and skills that would empower them for a more successful entry into the labor market and the implementation of their own projects. Through the YES, participants developed key competencies and created their own personal business models, enhancing their independence and entrepreneurial mindset. The project provided practical experience, encouraged active engagement, and supported career orientation. Emphasis was placed on fostering connections between young people, artists, and cultural professionals from participating countries to promote networking and long-term collaboration. One of the key objectives of the project was the development and implementation of the new business model "YES," which expanded opportunities for young artists and encouraged their international mobility. The project aimed to foster intercultural dialogue, European cooperation in the field of culture and arts, and active citizenship.
Partners from the cultural and artistic sector rarely have access to project-based education and training. The project is designed on the needs identified through focus groups with youth and through the needs of partner organisations. The YES project addresses specific challenges that young people face when entering the labor market. Key challenges include underdeveloped professional competencies, limited access to resources and information, and a lack of creativity, interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills. Through the project, participants have acquired following knowledge and skills: cultural management, self-promotion, preparation for entering the labor market, understanding the social responsibility of arts, developing a personal business model, and specialised contents for musicians: performance preparation, stage anxiety management, public engagement, promotion, and communication. Additionally, the project addresses specific challenges in the field of art song, which has often been neglected due to historical, political, and cultural factors. As a result, young artists face limited opportunities, a lack of national programs, low public awareness, and the absence of systematic education and critical reflection.