In a rapidly changing world marked by social, political, and environmental uncertainty, the existence of spaces for young individuals to meet, exchange, and reflect has become increasingly essential. Across Europe, young people are facing new forms of inequality, polarization, and insecurity that directly affect their sense of belonging and future prospects. Artistic creation, when used as a collective and participatory process, offers a powerful way to address these challenges. It enables young people to express their experiences, to communicate beyond words, and to engage with one another in constructive dialogue. Against this background, the initiative aimed to sustain and expand a framework of international artistic exchanges that not only encourage creativity but also nurture empathy, active citizenship, and a shared European identity. A key objective was to continue providing young artists from Cologne, Europe, and furthermore with the opportunity to participate in intensive 14+ day multilateral encounters. Within these residencies, participants are supported in processes of self-education, empowerment, and artistic development, while reflecting on socio-political issues that concern them—from questions of identity and equality to environmental and cultural sustainability. The idea was to create a safe and open space of artistic expression for participants, allowing each individual’s skills and perspectives to contribute to a collective artistic outcome. In doing so, the aim was to demonstrate how art can become a democratic tool for communication, reflection, and change. Drawing on knowledge gained from previous initiatives such as iJula—which explored intersectionality, awareness, and safer spaces—these residencies were designed to promote inclusion and personal growth while supporting the development of critical and creative capacities. Another central focus was the further development of international cooperation and the strengthening of the ROOTS & ROUTES International Network. Building on the values and methods developed through OASES for Change, the intention was to reconnect with partners who had been lost in recent years and to establish new collaborations, particularly in countries where the network has had limited activity. This year marked an important step in that direction: new partnerships were formed with organisations from Germany, Slovenia, and Spain, enriching the network’s diversity and capacity. In addition, the implementation of two multilateral youth exchanges and the coordination of one abroad continued the tradition of providing recurring opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful artistic residencies. Alongside these, a professional development seminar created space for partner organisations to exchange practices, present their work, and build shared visions for the future. More broadly, this ongoing work seeks to ensure that young people can take part in inclusive and creative spaces that allow them to grow both artistically and personally. It places collaboration, reflection, and shared responsibility at the centre of artistic youth work. In an era when open cultural spaces are increasingly under pressure, initiatives like these help sustain a sense of connection and possibility. By continuing to bring together young artists, educators, and organisations from different parts of Europe and beyond, the association contributes to building a vibrant network that values creativity as a cornerstone of participation, solidarity, and social change.