STARTArt: Bridging Creativity and Enterprise in Ružomberok
Can an artist be an entrepreneur? This August, in Ružomberok, 38 young Europeans are coming together to prove that the answer is “Yes.“
We are thrilled to announce the launch of “STARTArt – Stimulating Talent in Arts through Resources and Training for Art entrepreneurship” (Project number: 2024-3-SK02-KA152-YOU-000287550), our latest Erasmus+ Youth Exchange designed to address a critical gap in the creative sector: the disconnect between artistic talent and business capability.
Who & Where
This August, IKReON will welcome 38 young creatives aged 18–25, aspiring entrepreneurs, and youth leaders to Ružomberok. For 7 intensive days, participants from Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Greece, Ukraine, and Austria will gather to transform their passion for art into sustainable professional livelihoods.
Timeline
- A Preparatory Visit in Ružomberok is scheduled for 02–03 June 2025 (travel 01–04 May).
- The Youth Exchange runs 14–20 July 2025 (travel 13–21 July).
What is going to happen?
Seven themed days—Connecting; Business tools; Business Idea Generation; Circular Economy & Lean Startup; Business Plan & Pitching; Business Ideas Finalization; Celebratory Showcase—addressing the challenge faced by young creatives across Europe: the gap between having artistic talent and possessing the business skills to make it sustainable.
What we aim for
STARTArt aims to empower young creatives with the “hard skills” of entrepreneurship—strategy, planning, and financial literacy—without compromising their artistic vision. By connecting youth from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural areas and conflict-affected regions, we are building a network of resilience, intercultural dialogue, and professional growth.
