Over a period of 13 weeks in 2009, the pilot initiative Eco Interiors Enterprise Project was designed to offer 6 young people ages 16 – 19 years old the opportunity to develop their own home interiors product line for promotion and sale at a range of Christmas markets and sales. The project culminated in an end of program exhibition and sale at the Impact Arts Factory. During the project, young people worked to develop their employability and enterprise skills through taking responsibility for designing and creating their own product range – ‘Eco One-Offs’, which included cushion covers, hand-painted aprons, canvas bags, original artworks, fabric hearts, storage bags, plastic bag holders, Christmas decorations and Christmas stockings. Creative workshops and taster sessions were used to facilitate these products and provide the tools, materials and practical learning that were needed to take their products from drawing board to actual creation.
At Impact Arts projects we provide unique and creative activities for young people to develop their range of creative skills, providing a safe, structured learning environment where failure becomes not a disappointment, but an opportunity to learn. Our tutors are in place to support and guide the young people through their many attempts, failures and successes.
“I realise that my lack of experience might put others off, but there’s no badge, qualification or degree that can show my perseverance, determination and good qualities.”
We have learned that it is through these processes that the participants’ determination and self belief often becomes the most important learning curve. This idea was crucial in the development of the Enterprise Project. We knew of young people who were willing to learn and who were willing to try something new and possibly consider entrepreneurship as their ‘next step’. This strong focus on social enterprise was something not previously addressed in an Impact Arts project with young people, and it was made possible thanks to Inspiring Scotland investment.
The following aims and expected outcomes were established prior to the start of the project, in that tutors and staff would work:
Aims:
- To engage young people in a positive, well structured enterprise activity that both builds upon and develops new skills.
- To engage young people who are not in school, training or employment, but seeking a new place of learning with a positive, supportive and safe environment.
- To provide training in new artistic skills to young people and introduce them to a hands on and practical business experience.
- To provide access to industry professionals who in turn will give the young people an opportunity to gain insight into business and enterprise industries.
- To inspire young people to explore both their creative capabilities and realise that what they see as the ‘impossible’ may not necessarily be out of their reach.
- To develop their creative skills and celebrate those achievements.
- To motivate young people to move on with the next stage of their lives/career progression.
“I want to be the person that everyone is envious of because they decide to do their own thing – I want to rock the industry’s comfy cruise liner of formula!”
In terms of project success, the Eco Interiors Enterprise project achieved great results. A polished and professional product range was completed, and the people who graduated left the project with a greatly increased range of creative skills.
Looking at the project as a learning opportunity, it was an extremely beneficial project on different levels. For the young people we saw a giant learning curve in the understanding of making an investment in their work – the young people saw that sales did not just happen on their own – results were achieved because everyone worked together to meet goals. Going through that process of frustration, boredom and triumph was a valid lesson for the project to impart. We cannot also underestimate the fact that on this project, every graduate from the project had the chance to create, revise and update their CV. Every week they were asked to think about their next step, and with every week, new options and new possibilities were identified and researched. By making this process part of the project experience, the young people became keen to make plans for their future.
“Finally, I’m choosing between a few opportunities to produce my future career. I’m looking at what I want to do in my life and seeing what opportunities can be right for me.”
