Our main objective was to empower 50 youngsters from vulnerable areas; 25 in Utrecht and 25 in The Hague to participate as active citizens in their community. Building trust and growing the self-esteem of the youngsters, engaging and connecting them in a way that speaks to them: using arts and culture. Empowering them to take action and use their voice for change. Our sub objectives were: youngsters grow in personal development and self-esteem and take ownership as active citizens contributing to a thriving city; youngsters are trained and inspired to participate in an innovative way using artivism; raising awareness about how you can take action by taking into account the boundaries of the planet (sustainability); creating perspective for the youngsters, now that they feel connected to their communities; promoting value-driven action based on values of the youngsters and European values; raising awareness about the negative effects of social media on values; bridging the trust gap between young people and decision-makers; making young people aware of the advantages of the digital era (connecting with others, digital tools) and disadvantages (negatively affects mental health, stimulates polarisation, etc.). Our primary target group were youngsters from vulnerable areas in Utrecht and The Hague. The participants were selected by the youth workers/teachers as they know the youngsters and their needs well. Our secondary target groups were youth workers and teachers and other stakeholders and decision makers from both cities. We targeted youngsters that felt disappointed in governmental institutions and discriminated against and tended to turn their back on society. They struggled with their identity, worried about mental health, loneliness among young people and high expectations and pressure from society. They wanted to be connected with open (like-minded) people and peers and wanted to meet them in a safe space. They want to be seen and heard by their community in their fight for social inclusion and equality as they have often experienced discrimination/inequality themselves. To reach our main objective and sub objectives we organized activities and events along the line of 3 stages including artistic expression; participants first grew in self-esteem by discovering their talents and talking about their values and identities (Self-Esteem), they were than ready to picture the change they want to create (Picturing the Change) and eventually became active citizens by implementing community projects (Being the Change).