The Malta Crafts Foundation hosted the closing transnational meeting of NEXT – Young NEETs shaping Expectations for the Future of Europe, an EU-funded initiative that empowers young people who are not in education or employment to shape their own futures through creativity, culture, and collaboration.
Held under the theme “European Cultural Heritage as a Foundation for a Common Future,” the meeting brought together more than 40 participants from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, and Malta, highlighting how creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration can drive both personal and community growth.
Over three days, participants explored how Europe’s cultural heritage can serve as a platform for youth entrepreneurship and social inclusion, while also experiencing Malta’s living craft traditions firsthand.
Activities included workshops and demonstrations at the artisan villages in Ta’ Qali and Ta’ DbieÄ¡i, where participants engaged directly with local artisans. These encounters revealed how traditional skills, when combined with innovation and modern design, can inspire new and sustainable career paths for young people.
The programme was further enriched by cultural visits to the Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Museum in Mdina, and the Citadel in Gozo – each visit designed to illustrate how traditional craftsmanship not only preserves cultural heritage but also opens meaningful career opportunities within the heritage and creative sectors.
The meeting concluded with interactive discussions and collaborative sessions reflecting on the previous days’ experiences, supported by contributions from students of the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts, local artisans, and representatives from local entities. During these sessions, young participants and experts co-created ideas and campaigns aimed at inspiring more young people to pursue careers in culture and heritage.
Co-funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the NEXT project fosters dialogue between youth and local authorities on key social themes such as employment, gender equality, inclusion, sustainability, and cultural identity.
The Malta Crafts Foundation’s participation in the project reaffirms its commitment to linking tradition with opportunity and to nurturing the next generation of artisans and creative entrepreneurs.
For more information about the NEXT project and related initiatives, visit maltacrafts.org/next.