Making It

<< Background >>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.<< Objectives >>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.<< Implementation >>1. Introductory workshop and the official start of the project at partner Venice Academy of Fine Arts with a presentation of the programme, a lecture with lively discussions and a workshop using Theatre of the Oppressed methods. 2. Training in Koper: One week intensive workshop that consisted of the development of the participant’s final art projects, guest mentors covering various topics about project management and career development, and various assignments to use new knowledge in practice. 3. Online remote preparations: 41 sessions with the mentors as part of further development and preparation for the final exhibition/event in Berlin.4. Exhibition in Berlin: Five days of intensive preparations and final public exhibition/event in four floors of partner Kuhlhaus Berlin. The participants were involved in production, management and promotion of the event. 5. Digital archive and virtual exhibition: Website with all important information and tracking the progress of the project and individuals with a virtual 3D exhibition from Berlin. 6. “Art as a Tool for Engaging Youth” - A comprehensive handbook about techniques, approaches and tools for empowerment of young people, that is based on the experience of the project. << Results >>Concrete outputs:- Website with digital archive documenting the project process, content modules, and participant development.- A collective manifesto reflecting the shared values of the participants.- Promotional materials for the final exhibition (digital creatives, posters, flyers, gallery sheet).- 16 interdisciplinary artworks developed and presented by participants at the final exhibition in Kuhlhaus Berlin, attended by over 200 visitors.- Group performances conducted as part of the exhibition program.- Virtual 3D exhibition allowing the public to explore the final projects in a digital space.- Digital handbook featuring educational methods, best practices, analyses, and recommendations.- Visual documentation of the project (photos, videos, 3D models).Other Results:- Comprehensive mentorship support in project development from initial ideas to public presentation.- Workshops aimed at developing key competences, soft skills, and digital literacy to enhance employability.- Soft skills development.- Hands-on experience in project management, promotion, and production.- Strengthening international partnerships and collaboration.- Establishing a foundation for the further development of non-formal education