Short Description
When the UK left the EU, we lost valuable opportunities for youth in the UK. We lost Youth Mobility, which allowed young people from the UK to freely live, work and study in Europe. We also lost access to Erasmus+, which provided funding and opportunities for them to access education and training in Europe. The benefits of such schemes are manifold, including;
- Education, language and skills acquisition.
- Personal and professional development.
- Economic growth, revitalising sectors with labour shortages.
- Improving international relations and fostering intercultural dialogue.
- Tackling inequality by providing opportunities for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Fostering innovation and creativity.
When the UK left the European Union, we didn’t just lose access to the single market, the customs union and the free trade agreement; we also lost valuable opportunities for young people in the UK. We lost Youth Mobility, which allowed young people from the UK to freely live, work, and study in Europe, and for young European people to do the same in the UK. We lost Erasmus+, which provided funding and opportunities for our young people to access education and training abroad and at home. Post-Brexit, the UK has closed doors and dismantled the future we once had. But there is hope on the horizon, the UK government has agreed in principle to rejoining Erasmus+ and to establish a Youth Experience Scheme for British and European youth. We must now keep up the pressure to fight for the same rights other young people in Europe have, and restore the opportunities we once had. Let’s make the right decision, let’s open doors, and open futures.
What are the benefits of a Youth Experience Scheme?
- Economic impact: Analysis by the Centre for European Reform suggests that introducing the new UK–EU Youth Experience Scheme could increase UK GDP by between 0.4% and 0.45% over the next decade
- Tackling inequality: The scheme can offer disadvantaged young people opportunities to access international experiences and work, such as in the travel industry, or growing trades sectors in the EU.
- Promoting innovation and creativity: Britain, with the best universities in Europe, stands to uniquely benefit from a scheme which will concentrate intellectual talent in our top institutions, similar to California’s success in the USA.
- Democratic engagement and active citizenship: The scheme will promote a stronger sense of cultural awareness, European identity and engagement in international democratic processes.
What are the benefits of Erasmus+?
- Inclusive experience: 16% of Erasmus+ participants came from backgrounds with fewer opportunities, such as those with special needs and disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Skilled staff: The UK received 4964 incoming staff members as a part of the Erasmus+ program in 2017/18, allowing for their skills to be shared with our participants.
- Economic benefits: The UK made a net gain of £234 million per year from its participation in Erasmus+ thanks to an increase in spend for the higher education, services, and hospitality sectors.
- Active participation: In 2020, 55 681 people from the UK participated in Erasmus+. This active participation shows the demand present in the UK for Erasmus+.
- Diverse participation: While 39% of participants were from higher education in 2023, 19% were from vocational education and training, and 25% were from schools.
- Funding and grants: The UK received €114.25 million in grants towards Erasmus+ in 2020, which provided access to educational and cultural experiences for a wide range of participants.
- Free Transport: 35 000 young Europeans benefitted from a free rail pass in 2023 as a part of Erasmus’ DiscoverEU Travel Pass.
Eligibility
You may submit up to 3 artworks under the theme ‘Open Doors, Open Futures’. The call is open to all visual artists working in 2D media (painting, drawing, print, photography, etc.). Digital submissions only.
How to Apply
Online Application
Entry Fee
None
Location
United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2025
Website Link: https://1.yem.org.uk/open-doors-open-futures/
