Empowering Yemeni youth through arts and culture: Yemen Creative Hubs celebrate International Youth Day
As the world marks International Youth Day on August 12, youth across Yemen are turning to creativity and culture as sources of strength and inspiration. The Yemen Creative Hubs (YCH) project is a powerful example of how arts and culture can support young people in times of crisis and help them thrive.
Launched in 2022 and currently in its second phase (2024–2028), the EU-funded initiative fosters a vibrant and resilient creative ecosystem in Yemen by empowering youth through art, dialogue, and meaningful pathways for growth. Led by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with five Yemeni civil society organizations, the project targets more than 9,000 young women and men, particularly those in underserved and fragile contexts.
With creative hubs established in Sana’a, Aden, Taiz and Hadhramaut, the initiative provides safe spaces where emerging artists can access training, produce meaningful cultural content, and engage in critical discussions on youth empowerment, gender equality, and peacebuilding.
A key component of the project is its capacity building programmes, offering hands-on training in visual and digital arts, filmmaking, creative writing, and cultural management – many led by Yemeni and diaspora artists. These capacity building opportunities not only support skill development but also pave the way for professional growth and economic independence. Complementing this is Muftah, a unique initiative that equips young creatives with English language tools to connect and engage on a global stage.
To further amplify youth voices, the project supports youth-led cultural productions through grants and mentorship, enabling them to showcase their talents through exhibitions, bazaars, and public events.
In a country where youth often face disrupted education, displacement, and unemployment, Yemen Creative Hubs project helps bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. By doing so, it not only uplifts individuals but also contributes to the broader goals of social cohesion, peacebuilding, and cultural resilience in Yemen.
