Research
A Triangular Exploration of Art and Youth Well-being in Europe
As part of the Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project "CREATIYOK – Creative Arts as Therapy Tools in Youth Work", an innovative and cross-sectoral research initiative was undertaken to investigate the impact of creative arts on youth well-being across Poland, Cyprus, and Latvia. This holistic exploration combined academic research, quantitative data from over 260 youth and youth workers, and a series of in-depth qualitative interviews with therapists, youth workers, and facilitators. Together, these three methodologies offered a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of how art-based practices—ranging from music, dance, and drama to visual arts and crafts—serve as powerful tools for emotional resilience, social inclusion, and personal development.
The academic dimension provided comparative insights into the institutional landscapes, policy frameworks, and professional recognition of art therapy in the three countries, highlighting Latvia's structured and state-recognized model, Poland's growing professional field, and Cyprus's vibrant but grassroots-driven practices. The quantitative research, conducted through multilingual surveys, captured youth perceptions and experiences with creative arts, revealing high emotional benefits but unequal access across rural and urban contexts. Finally, the qualitative interviews brought forward the lived experiences and voices of practitioners—sharing real-life stories of transformation, resistance, cultural identity, and healing, especially among vulnerable and marginalized youth groups.
By triangulating these perspectives, the project not only documents the current state of creative arts in youth work but also charts a roadmap for integrating these methods into wider youth development strategies. Through this work, CREATIYOK affirms that when youth are given the tools to express, explore, and heal through art, they do more than create—they transform.
You can explore more the results in the following links:
General Results
Based on the comprehensive research conducted through the CREATIYOK project across Poland, Cyprus, and Latvia, a clear narrative emerges: creative arts play a vital and increasingly recognized role in enhancing youth well-being. From visual arts and music to dance, theater, and photography, creative practices are widely embraced by young people and professionals alike. The qualitative interviews, academic comparisons, and survey responses collectively show that these artistic methods support emotional expression, stress management, identity exploration, and social inclusion—particularly among marginalized groups such as refugees, youth with disabilities, and those in rural areas.
While the therapeutic and developmental benefits of creative arts are overwhelmingly supported—over 90% of surveyed youth agreed on their emotional value—the formal integration of these tools into public systems varies significantly by country. Latvia leads with state-recognized art therapy education and practice, while Poland is expanding through grassroots movements and academic research. Cyprus, though rich in grassroots and NGO-led efforts, still lacks formal structures and broad institutional recognition. Across all three, youth prefer flexible, engaging formats like group workshops, and they consistently call for more accessible, affordable, and inclusive opportunities.
Key challenges remain, including limited access in rural and underserved areas, lack of awareness, insufficient funding, and professional recognition. For instance, while over 80% of youth engage informally with creative arts, fewer than half have access to structured therapy or guided programs. This gap highlights the urgent need for systemic investment in creative youth development, such as formal training for facilitators, school partnerships, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
Ultimately, the findings affirm that creative arts are not just extracurricular pastimes—they are essential tools for healing, resilience, and personal growth. By embedding these practices into education, health, and community systems, and ensuring they are accessible to all youth regardless of background or geography, Europe can foster a new generation that is not only expressive and empathetic but also better equipped to face personal and social challenges with confidence and creativity.
