IMPACT & OUTCOMES

Impact & Outcomes BUZZ Network Creative Europe Cooperation Project 2019 – 2023

The BUZZ Network project aims to strengthen Europe’s youth theatre sectors through shared knowledge, skills, contacts and resources, building a pan-European collaboration network. From 2019-2023, activities included cross-border network meetings, training labs, and the development of a new pan-European map and web portal. 

Through these activities the partner organisations aimed to enhance understanding of youth theatre practices continent-wide, exchange leading approaches, nurture artistic growth and improve practices across partner countries. Below is an outline of the impact and outcomes of the project so far at the end of this first phase:

Key Statistics 

  • 111 professional artists and cultural leaders from 20 European countries engaged in specialist international training Labs and network development meetings hosted in Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium and Germany. 
  • 45,000 young people and 5,500 staff in 20 countries were calculated to have benefitted from their leaders training at the Buzz Network labs. 
  • A further 271 culture professionals and 280 young people from Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium and Germany also took part in BUZZ Network activities held in their country. 
  • Communications reached 118,000 individuals, fostering connections among artists and leaders continent-wide. 

Project Impacts 

  • Increased awareness and understanding of youth theatre practices across Europe. 
  • Identified and shared best practices in youth theatre with European partners. 
  • Enhanced the skills, networks, and confidence of youth theatre artists and leaders to operate on a European scale. 
  • Facilitated engagement and learning for young people with theatre professionals from different countries. 
  • Improved youth theatre practices in partner countries through research, exchanges, and events. 
  • Created a scalable network for the exchange and mobility of youth theatre artists and leaders across Europe. 
  • Elevated the profile of youth theatre as a professional sector and valuable art form in participating countries. 

Project Outcomes 

  1. Development of International Training and Resources: we introduced a European-level training and development programme for professional youth theatre artists and leaders, including international training labs and a web portal with extensive resources. 
  1. Enhanced Awareness and Access: we increased awareness of international youth theatre sectors and access to best practices through pan-European recruitment, shared research, and online resources. 
  1. Career Development and International Opportunities: we fostered international career opportunities and employment for youth theatre artists and leaders through training labs, networking events, and other BUZZ activities. 
  1. Expanded Professional Networking: we facilitated new cross-border connections and professional networks through project events, online meetings, and platforms that reached wider audiences. 
  1. Innovative Collaborative Models: we developed new collaborative approaches and models for international project management, training, and sector development. 
  1. Promotion of Intercultural Dialogue: we promoted intercultural dialogue and inspiration among youth theatre professionals, influencing future artistic projects and productions across Europe. 

Participant Feedback 

Participants reported significant gains in knowledge, confidence and international connections. The activities were praised for their organisational excellence and enriching blend of workshops, practical sessions and networking opportunities.  

Feedback highlighted how these experiences not only broadened professional horizons but fostered a supportive community across European borders. 

  • 100% of participants surveyed told us that their participation in the Artist Labs had increased their knowledge and awareness of different international practice and had broadened their network of international contacts. More than three-quarters characterised the scale of their increased knowledge, awareness and contacts as “a lot”. 
  • 97% of Lab participants surveyed told us the Labs had enabled them to explore best practice and develop their own practice. 
  • 95% of participants said they now had increased confidence and ability to work internationally. 

“It was just wonderful to engage as a participant and to reflect on my own practice in the process. It also gave me a great toolbox to come away with in terms of new exercises and approaches to use with the young people that I work with.” – BUZZ LAB ARTIST

“We engaged in many interesting discussions across the week regarding best practice in youth arts—I particularly learned a lot in our discussions around disability, accessibility, gender identity, and the creation of safe spaces. The artists contributed personal experiences and learnings in these areas, and we were able to reach together some agreement on best practice in these areas.” – BUZZ LAB ARTIST

“I would never have even considered working internationally before the lab as I had no idea how to access these networks. Particularly because I didn’t go to university where most people find their international networks, so I always felt like there was this whole other path that just wasn’t accessible for me. It has been really amazing to be given access to that path and feel confident enough to imagine myself working internationally.” – BUZZ LAB ARTIST