Creative Paths in Youthwork
An international cooperation project that makes art and creativity an everyday tool of youth work – for community building, inclusion and empowering young people.
Why this project?
Youth workers in all partner countries face similar challenges: how to keep learning inclusive, effective and motivating, and how to bring young people actively into community life. Creative Paths in Youthwork responds to these needs with art-based methods.
The partners exchange good practices, carry out case studies and expert interviews in each country and, based on the findings, jointly create a practical workbook and video materials that youth workers can put to use straight away.
Objective
To strengthen the capacity of NGOs in art-based learning, equip youth workers with new creative tools for community building, and create a safe and inclusive environment where young people can learn, grow and actively participate.
The project in numbers
What will the project produce?
Multilingual workbook
An art-based youth work workbook with a focus on art therapy – practical exercises for community building and for supporting creativity, teamwork and decision-making.
Video materials
Videos accompanying the workbook that show the methods in action and make them easier to bring into everyday practice.
Tested art-based methods
New methods piloted in at least five local workshops per partner and refined based on participant feedback.
Project journey
- 1September 2026
Kick-off meeting Lithuania
Partner teams meet, agree on roles and the timeline, and get to know local youth work practices.
- 2October 2026
Local studies all partner countries
At least three case studies and two expert interviews in each country to map the needs of youth workers and good practices.
- 3December 2026
Workbook development seminar Estonia
Hosted by Project Spirit: 20 participants co-create new art-based methods and the first version of the workbook based on the research.
- 4December 2026 – February 2027
Local testing all partner countries
Each partner runs at least five pilot workshops with young people and youth workers and collects feedback.
- 5February 2027
Finalising the workbook and toolkit online
Final adjustments are made based on the feedback and the materials receive their final design.
- 6March 2027
Inspiration Day & festival Latvia
An event with at least 40 participants presenting the workbook and video materials, with workshops and networking for youth workers and young people.
Dates are indicative and may be adjusted during the project.
Partners
