During March, representatives of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID) took part in the No Label Youth Exchange and Movers & Shakers Meeting in Krakow, Poland. The exchange brought together young activists from Germany, Slovakia, Romania, North Macedonia, Poland and the Netherlands, with the aim of exploring sustainable fashion, artivism and conscious consumerism.
Organised by MasterPeace Poland, the meeting focused on the concept of artivism – the use of art as a tool for social change. During the first day, participants presented their no-waste designs, shared creative ideas and took part in artivism workshops. They also had the opportunity to discover the city of Krakow and connect with peers from different countries who had been working for months on promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.
One of the highlights of the exchange was the upcycling workshop at the Krakow Artistic Schools, led by Ms. Magdalena Kęskiewicz. Using used clothing and accessories, participants redesigned and renewed old items, turning them into unique creations. Regardless of their previous experience, all participants showed great creativity and enthusiasm. Some of the redesigned pieces were taken home, while others quickly found new owners among students and visitors.
The second day focused on practical experience and collaboration. Participants joined a singing workshop, visited the Banksy Museum and took part in another upcycling workshop at the SAPU Fashion School together with young designers from across Europe. The day ended with a shared dinner that celebrated teamwork, creativity and new friendships.
The main highlight of the exchange was the No Waste Fashion Show organised by Krakowskie Szkoły Artystyczne. Several Movers & Shakers decided not only to watch the show, but to become part of it. Using second-hand materials, they designed and created their own no-waste outfits. Ten selected designs were presented on the runway, giving young activists the rare opportunity to experience the world of professional fashion from behind the scenes.
For the young participants from CID and other partner organisations, this exchange was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It strengthened their skills, inspired new ideas and showed that creativity and activism can go hand in hand when promoting more sustainable lifestyles.