The “ACHIEVE CCS” project, supported by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme, officially kicked off with an inspiring and collaborative meeting held in Aix-en-Provence, France from August 29-31, 2024. This initiative is committed to empowering young women in the Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) by breaking barriers to gender equality and creating real opportunities for career advancement.
Representatives from Eurospeak (UK), the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (IED) (Greece), CulturePolis (Greece), Mezopotamya Genç Akim Derneği (Turkey), the Volyn Foundation (Ukraine, represented by Anna Danylchuk and Marta Sydoruk), and Cbe Sud Luberon (France) attended the meeting. Each partner introduced themselves and provided an overview of their respective organizations, highlighting their expertise and the role they will play in contributing to the project’s success.
Among the partners, Volyn Foundation supports the project’s objectives by connecting Ukrainian female creators with international networks, fostering cross-border partnerships, and participating in transnational initiatives that champion gender equality in the sector.
The project’s objectives were thoroughly discussed during the meeting, with a special focus on research, education, and showcasing young women’s creativity. The project will create a research report that identifies the needs of young women in the CCS and offers policy recommendations to ensure better inclusion. An academy for women in the CCS will equip participants with career-advancing skills through educational material and training programs, while a virtual exhibition will highlight the artwork of young women artists, demonstrating their contributions to the cultural and creative fields.
With a clear roadmap ahead, the partners left the meeting with renewed excitement and commitment to tackling gender inequality in the CCS. This collaborative effort aims to create lasting change by amplifying the voices of young women and promoting a more inclusive, diverse cultural sector.
