The project in a few words
“Smart Fashion” is a Youth Exchange organized by Art Market in Rezekne, Latvia, from June 3rd to June 12th, 2025. This project will bring together young participants to explore the fashion industry, the impact of fast fashion, and the role of traditional fashion in cultural heritage.
Through interactive workshops, creative upcycling activities, and discussions, participants will reflect on the socio-economic and environmental implications of the fashion industry. The project aims to raise awareness about sustainable fashion practices and encourage a mindset of “care – repair – reuse.” By learning traditional skills and applying creativity, participants will discover new ways to extend the life of clothing and promote a more responsible approach to fashion.
Main Objectives
- Sharing traditional skills related to repairing, adapting, and personalizing clothing.
- Celebrating cultural diversity through traditional clothing, skills, and techniques, fostering intercultural dialogue.
- Raising awareness about the unsustainable impact of the fashion industry and promoting responsible consumer choices.
- Demonstrating how traditional creative skills in fashion can be a tool for civic participation and a call for a more sustainable future.
- Empowering participants to become agents of change, guiding them in creating social awareness and impact.
- Encouraging critical thinking about the link between individual choices and global sustainability, especially in fashion.
- Providing participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become ambassadors of sustainability in their communities.
- Fostering personal growth, enhancing self-confidence, and developing soft skills through hands-on experiences.
- Increasing awareness about European projects, the Erasmus+ programme, and EU values such as diversity and inclusion.
Who can apply?
Youngsters (18-31 years old) that…
- … are interested in the topic of sustainability in the fashion world
- … are fluent in English as a working language (being able to understand and communicate in English for the entire project)
- … can commit to attending to the project for its full duration
- … are proactive and willing to learn more about the topic
- … are residing in Germany
- … We encourage the participation of participants with fewer opportunities. (Participants with fewer opportunities will be prioritised.)
Hosting Organisation
Art Market is an NGO founded in April 2021 and based in Rezekne, Latvia. The association is active both locally and internationally, cooperates with young people, encourages them to be inspired by each other, to be aware of the opportunities around them, and to develop in many ways, thus also promoting sustainable development and long-term exchange of experience.
