Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives: Highlights from the DigiCreate Virtual Conference
What does it take to build a sustainable career in the cultural and creative industries today? How can young professionals navigate the rapidly evolving worlds of digital innovation, AI, and entrepreneurship without losing their artistic integrity?
These were the driving questions at the DigiCreate Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Conference. Bringing together young creatives, educators, and industry leaders from more than six European countries, this entirely online event was a powerhouse of inspiration, evidence-based research, and highly practical tools.
A Warm, Global Welcome
The conference opened with a vibrant welcome from our moderators, Bojana Jevtović and Valentina Antić. Milica Dedić, Executive Director of NVO GLAS, officially greeted attendees on behalf of the DigiCreate consortium, setting a collaborative tone for the 2,500 young people the project aims to support over its three-year run.
This spirit of international cooperation was echoed by representatives from across the consortium:
- Franjo Brkan (Youth Power Germany) celebrated the successful partnership that produced the project’s first major results.
- Nektar Baziotis (Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting, Spain) reminded us that young creatives need more than digital platforms; they need spaces to connect, collaborate, and learn across cultures.
- Jorge Machado (Contextos, Portugal) emphasised the importance of listening to young people’s real-world needs in the age of AI.
- Olja Arsenijević (Union Nikola Tesla University, Serbia) shared positive experiences from implementing local workshops, proving that young people can develop incredible innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills when given the right support.
- Nedim Mičijević (Udruzenje Okret (SPIN), Bosnia and Herzegovina) shared his team’s excitement for building the project’s online learning component and future virtual exchange activities.
- Milica Dedić (NVO GLAS, Montenegro) officially welcomed everyone on behalf of the consortium, introducing the DigiCreate project’s mission to empower 2,500 young people across Europe with essential digital and creative competencies.
- Vice Rector Veselin Mićanović (translated by Danilo Leković, University of Montenegro) highlighted the vital link between academia and the creative ecosystem.
- Nikola Abramović (FPEP Bar, Montenegro) underscored that creativity is now one of the most valuable competencies in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
Grounded in Reality: The DigiCreate Research Findings
Instead of relying on assumptions, the consortium took an evidence-based approach. Milica Dedić presented the core findings from the project’s extensive multi-country research.
The study revealed a highly motivated generation of young creatives who are eager to build careers but frequently bump into structural barriers:
- The Non-Linear Career Path: Creative careers rarely follow a straight line; internships, volunteering, and freelance gigs are the standard starting points.
- The Business Gap: While young talent is abundant, formal education often lacks training on essential business skills, such as negotiating fees, managing contracts, financial planning, and navigating self-employment.
- The Need for Mentorship: Respondents consistently pointed to practical, non-formal learning, real-world case studies, and mentorship as the most valuable resources for their professional growth.
Complementing this, Olja Arsenijević shared positive experiences from workshops in Serbia. She noted that while local institutional support (like equipment grants and salary coverage) exists, young people must be empowered to develop proactive, entrepreneurial behaviours to make the most of these opportunities.
Redefining Career Journeys: Insights from the Panel
Moderated by Valentina Antić, the panel brought together three diverse professionals who have successfully carved out unique career paths.
Finding Your Unique Niche
Luka Vušurović (Data Engineer at Solvership & cultural diplomacy professional) shared his fascinating story of turning a passion for historical armour into a viable business. By combining traditional blacksmithing with smaller, modern handcrafted products, he proved that blending seemingly unrelated interests is a superpower.
“Originality eventually becomes a competitive advantage rather than a weakness.”
Navigating Career Uncertainty
Prof. Dr. Tatjana Jovanović (Psychologist and HR expert) challenged the myth of the predictable career. She urged young people to cultivate adaptability and emotional resilience. In a rapidly shifting job market, the willingness to step outside job descriptions and embrace unexpected paths is invaluable.
“As long as you learn, they are not mistakes.”
Curiosity Over Anxiety
Veronica Bracaccini (Project Manager at Youth Power Germany), drawing on her background in the performing arts, emphasised curiosity as the ultimate driver of lifelong learning. She also spoke candidly about the freelance creative journey, noting that entrepreneurship is simply a tool to protect and sustain your art. She closed with a vital reminder to prioritise mental wellbeing by building supportive creative communities rather than trying to walk the path entirely alone.
Tools for Tomorrow: The DigiCreate Platform & Toolbox
To directly address the needs highlighted in our research, Bojana Jevtović introduced the project’s main outputs:
- The DigiCreate Online Platform: A global hub for discussion, peer learning, and intercultural dialogue.
- The Digital Toolbox: A curated directory of over 140 digital tools spanning graphic design, video production, AI, portfolio building, and funding opportunities.
These free, highly accessible resources are designed to help young professionals manage their careers, learn at their own pace, and build meaningful networks across borders.
Collaborative Energy: Breakout Workshops
The afternoon transformed passive listening into active collaboration as participants split into three interactive working groups to brainstorm practical recommendations:
• Supporting the Transition (Facilitated by Bojana Jevtović)
This group focused on bridging the gap between education and the labour market. They recommended that youth organisations and schools integrate structured soft-skills training, such as self-presentation, confidence building, and networking, into their support systems.
• Learning for the Future (Facilitated by Valentina Antić & Anja Ivanović)
Focusing on informal learning and inclusive spaces, this group highlighted a beautiful initiative presented by Salomé Marques in Faro, Portugal. This project uses digital tools and AI to engage youth in rural communities, demonstrating how technology can be a powerful equaliser to reduce geographical inequalities.
• AI & the Future of Creative Careers (Facilitated by Luka Vušurović)
With inputs from tech experts like Muhammad Ali and Ivan Radevic, this group tackled the “million-dollar question” of artificial intelligence. They concluded that AI shouldn’t be feared as a threat to human jobs, but embraced as a collaborative assistant that automates repetitive tasks to free up time for genuine human creativity. Ali shared a vital recommendation: don’t rely solely on one AI platform. Instead, experiment with specialised, niche tools to build a custom creative workflow.
The Takeaway: Contagious Enthusiasm
As our moderators and Milica Dedić officially closed the conference, one sentiment was shared by all: the absolute highlight of the day was the contagious enthusiasm of everyone in attendance. Despite the screens separating us, the shared passion for creative education and youth empowerment was deeply felt.
The conference may have ended, but the DigiCreate journey is just getting started.
👉 Ready to take your creative career to the next level? Register on the platform, connect with an international community, and unlock 140+ free resources in our Digital Toolbox today!
Register and join the DigiCreate community: https://digicreate-empower.eu/register/
Explore the Digital Toolbox: https://digicreate-empower.eu/hive-toolbox
Funding Agency: EACEA – European Education and Culture Executive Agency
Learn more about DigiCreate: https://digicreate-empower.eu/
101193474 — DigiCreate — ERASMUS-EDU-2024-VIRT-EXCH
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
