By implementing the project and its methods, based on the use of art as a method of working with young people, active forms of learning and a hands on-approach we aimed to: 1. Strengthen the employability of young people by giving them competences and experiences that would support their career development in a contemporary job market. 2. Develop creative potential – foster creative thinking and expression by guiding participants through the process of evolving an initial idea into a well-executed artwork. 3. Integrate digital tools for effective communication, project management, teamwork and public presentation of their work. 4. Encourage self-discovery and empowerment – provide opportunities for young people to explore their interests, talents, and limitations, helping them identify their passions and career aspirations. 5. Promote collaborative work – establish a diverse group and highlight the benefits of working in horizontally organized groups opposed to individualism. 6. Support positive personal development to become responsible, confident, inclusive, empathetic, creative, and socially engaged individuals.
Due to the success of the first edition of Making It, we applied for this project to continue developing art as a method in youth work and to address some of the key challenges faced by young creatives. The application allowed us to further develop our methodology, expand the project’s reach, and strengthen collaboration with international partners. One of the main challenges we addressed was the lack of experience and orientation in the professional world for young people at the beginning of their careers. By engaging in a structured yet flexible learning environment with strong mentorship support, participants were actively involved in the entire process of developing an art project—from the initial idea to the final public presentation. They gained practical skills and invaluable hands-on experience that will positively impact their future career development. The project placed special emphasis on the importance of collective horizontal ways of working, in contrast to the prevailing individualism. It encouraged teamwork and active participation, intercultural dialogue, and social engagement through art while strengthening participants' confidence, independence, and ability to express themselves through creative media.