Across Europe, cultural and creative industries are recognised as key drivers of innovation, social cohesion, and economic development. The European Commission’s European Agenda for Culture and the Council Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026 both highlight cultural entrepreneurship as essential for strengthening creativity, supporting youth skills development, and unlocking new opportunities for the future workforce.
It is in this context that Cultural BEES is taking shape, transforming cultural heritage into a pathway for innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful youth engagement.
A New Milestone: The Cultural BEES Digital Platform
This month marks a major milestone: the launch of the Cultural BEES Digital Platform, developed by Danmar Computers with content led by Uni Nova Gorica and the entire consortium.
The platform offers two interactive learning pathways; for basic school students and for young professionals. Each pathway features dynamic modules, engaging videos, and short knowledge-check quizzes.
Upon completion, participants receive digital badges and gain access to the full CB experience, including in-person activities such as hackathons, mentoring sessions, study visits, and national events facilitated by JA organisations. Upon completion, participants earn digital badges and are eligible to take part in the full Cultural Bees experience, including in-person events such as hackathons, study visits facilitated by national JA, and receive the Cultural BEES certificates.
National Piloting Underway (October 2025 – June 2026)
The national piloting phase officially began in October 2025 and will continue throughout the 2025–2026 academic year across Italy, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
Piloting activities now taking place include a mix of online and in-person training sessions for teachers and students, friendly innovation camps and hackathons, supportive mentoring with Cultural and Creative Industry professionals, and engaging visits to cultural heritage sites and creative industry venues. All these activities are designed to connect young people with the cultural ecosystem of their communities and help them explore new ideas in an inspiring environment.
By June 2026, Cultural BEES aims to support 1,000 young people in earning the programme’s official certificate and to generate 20 new business ideas across the three participating countries — demonstrating how creativity and cultural heritage can spark real opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Connecting Culture with Skills for the Future
Cultural BEES project combines digital learning with real-world experiences, helping young people understand how creativity, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurship intersect. By bringing together educators, cultural institutions, CCI professionals, and young learners, the programme supports Europe’s broader ambition to strengthen cultural participation, boost innovation, and invest in youth resilience.
