Creativity: Advancing creative talents
Access to creative education, resources, and opportunities remains uneven, limiting the potential of many talented individuals and communities worldwide. While the creative industries generate 3% of global GDP, more than two thirds of global artisans are women (UNESCO 2021), and 98% of artisan businesses are unregulated globally, leaving many workers without legal protections against unfair wages or exploitations (Ballard Brief).
To address these challenges, the Swarovski Foundation advances creative talent to promote an inclusive economy and lead innovative solutions through global partnerships and initiatives such as Creatives For Our Future.
We collaborate with educational charities and institutions that preserve heritage and culture, inspire innovation, and nurture creative expression. Our programmes equip artisans to develop their craft and entrepreneurial skills, while providing inspiration and opportunity for the designers of the future.
Our work aims to drive systemic change –embedding sustainable practices across the creative industry, reducing barriers for underrepresented groups in the creative economy, and expanding equitable access to opportunity.
Image: Creatives For Our Future Cohort Member – Moemen Sobh
Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future is a global education and grant programme designed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships to identify and accelerate the next generation of creatives in sustainable development.
Partners
AkiraChix
AkiraChix advances Africa’s female tech talent, and with the Swarovski Foundation’s support in Kenya, delivers its year-long codeHive programme—combining technical training and leadership development to empower young women from disadvantaged communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Central Saint Martins
Central Saint Martins promotes inclusive, innovative design education, and with the Swarovski Foundation’s support in the UK, provides scholarships to support talented students to overcome financial barriers and lead sustainable change in the industry.
Council of Fashion Designers of America
The CFDA strengthens the impact of American fashion globally, and with the Swarovski Foundation’s support in the US, awards the Re: Generation Innovation Scholarship—providing funding, mentorship, and industry access to empower emerging designers driving sustainable change.
Turquoise Mountain
Turquoise Mountain revives traditional crafts and creates economic opportunities, and with the Swarovski Foundation’s support in Jordan, is training Syrian and Jordanian women in jewellery design and business skills—empowering them to launch sustainable artisan enterprises.
