Youth Exchange

Are you a young artist with a passion for drawing? Do you fancy experimenting, colouring outside the lines with other creative minds and finding inspiration in an international setting? Does the idea of a summer week full of workshops, artistic exchange and European collaboration appeal to you? Then our next Youth Exchange might just be the thing for you!

Following a successful first European youth residency in 2025, Kunstwerkt is organising a second edition in the green, inspiring surroundings of Destelheide. For this residency period (2 to 8 August 2027), we’re looking for at least five enthusiastic creators – whether working individually or as part of a collective – who live in Belgium and want to help shape this programme. Together, you’ll set the agenda and define the thematic focus. In collaboration with a project coordinator from Kunstwerkt, you’ll work together to find suitable creators from other European countries to join you on this adventure.
 

Who are we looking for?

• Young people aged between 18 and 30* with a passion for drawing. Everyone must apply individually. When you register, you can indicate whether you’d like to work with specific people, for example because you work well together. Based on this, we’ll try to put together a good group.
• A degree or higher education qualification is not a requirement. We focus primarily on your motivation and creative work.
• Enthusiasts who are keen to help shape an international project themselves

* You will still be 30 years old when the exchange takes place (2 to 8 August 2027)
 

What do we expect? 

We are looking for dedicated participants who are keen to contribute ideas, organise and create.

During the Youth Exchange, you’ll help decide what happens. Together with at least four other participants, you’ll develop a theme and programme for the week. What ideas do you want to explore? What do you want to create or share with others? Perhaps you already have some international partners in mind?

A member of staff from Kunstwerkt will work with you throughout the entire process. We’ll support you in developing your ideas, submitting the grant application and — if approved — organising and reporting on the Youth Exchange.

Be sure to watch last year's video here, and get into the mood right away!
 

What's on the agenda?

• An icebreaker between the Belgian participants (online)
• A couple of get-together sessions to shape the project
• A week-long group exchange in Destelheide (2 to 8 August 2027)
• A debriefing (online/offline) at the end of the project with all participants

Questions?

Get in touch with marianne@kunstwerkt.be