I attended the Creative Skills Week 2024 Amsterdam!!

I attended the Creative Skills Week 2024 Amsterdam!!

The past few days, I had the privilege of attending Creative Skills Week in Amsterdam. Alongside Denise Stanley-Chard CLOCK Your Skills, we connected with European 

organizations and representatives, each sharing their insights on the developments in creativity and future skills.

Amidst the many workshops— the human interaction was truly evident—there were also moments to raise our voices. I seized the opportunity to highlight the challenges 

many creatives face in accessing education and development. When I asked the audience to raise their hands if they did not have higher education, only three people responded. 

I emphasized to both the audience and the Creative Skills Week Panel the importance of integrating self-taught individuals (autodidacts) into the academic world and validating

 their contributions. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of what’s needed in our world and enhance the potential for innovation across various fields.

For me, the key words were micro-credentials, inclusivity, personal development, digitalization, and AI— and what will it mean in the near future. I encourage young people to 

join in, make their voices heard, and take action on their visions for the future and the generations to come. However, the future isn’t just for the young; it’s ours too. I know that 

one day I’ll grow old, and I want to take ownership of how I choose to spend my very precious time, both now and 20 years from now. The future belongs to everyone, and we 

are all responsible for creating our own happiness.

I’m eager to collaborate with the incredible people and organizations I met. As a creative and Cultural & Arts Coach, autodidact, and CLOCK Sector Expert, 

it was inspiring to see how much we truly need each other, as our mission is to make a difference. For me as a multidisciplinary creative, ART has been my Ark, the only great escape 

from the formal education system as a child. Learning happens every day— The Life University (TLU) is on every street corner, and we can engage with it whenever we choose. 

So there must be a badge for it. I think it’s also about letting go and embracing the freedom that comes from valuing our authentic, personal imagination.
Thank you, Creative Skills Week, and everyone I spoke with. It was an inspiring experience!

HUB168 | Ismène Elbers | : #CSW2024 #creativeskillsweek2024
#CreativeSkillsWeek #FutureSkills #InclusivityMatters
#CollaborationForChange #CreativityUnleashed #DiversityInAction
#MicroCredentials #AIAndCreativity #PersonalDevelopment
#DigitalInnovation #AutodidactsUnite #CulturalCoach
#ArtAndInnovation #AmsterdamInspires #Prague2025
#ClockYourSkills 

Conservatorium van Amsterdam Pakhuis de Zwijger and all its people working behind the stage!! Thank you