With CULTART PRO we aimed to strengthen the capacity of young people and youth organisations in the field of cultural management, while promoting inclusion, creativity, and sustainability. Our primary objective was to empower youth to become active cultural leaders by equipping them with practical competences in project design, audience engagement, and digital innovation. https://www.facebook.com/CultartAcademy/videos/755373680290479/?rdid=LflWjSBDlTc0gnvS# - video We wanted to create a transnational learning environment where young participants could exchange practices, gain confidence, and see themselves as agents of change in the cultural and creative sectors. Another key objective was to reduce barriers for young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those from rural areas, ensuring their meaningful participation in cultural life. The project also set out to enhance organisational cooperation by fostering strong partnerships across Europe, creating a shared methodology and transferable tools. Ultimately, we wanted CULTART PRO to inspire a new generation of youth-led cultural initiatives, built on values of inclusivity, sustainability, and European solidarity.
We applied for the project in response to pressing needs observed across our local and European contexts in the cultural and creative sectors (CCS). Young people often face a lack of access to structured training in cultural management, entrepreneurial skills, and sustainable practices. Traditional education rarely prepares them for the realities of working in the CCS, which require adaptability, digital competences, and cross-sector collaboration. https://www.facebook.com/CultartAcademy/videos/2965547840289555 - video https://pro.cultart.eu/research/bulgaria-plovidv/ At the same time, our partner organisations identified gaps in the inclusion of youth voices in cultural decision-making. Many young people—especially those from rural areas or with fewer opportunities—remain excluded from cultural participation and lack the confidence or skills to take active roles as cultural leaders. This creates both personal and systemic barriers to innovation, creativity and civic engagement. CULTART PRO was designed to address these needs by offering non-formal, practical, and transnational learning opportunities that link cultural management with youth empowerment.