Tips | 7 tips for talent development in teens

Let teens sample and enjoy

Introduce teenagers to various activities and disciplines. Let them discover for themselves what they’re good at and what they enjoy. Keep the atmosphere fun and light-hearted, by using interactive and creative methods for example. And let them participate without having to achieve immediate results. This way, you ensure that 'work' does not feel like work.

Give direction and freedom

Provide concrete guidelines about the objectives of your project and let teens make their own choices. Offer them the freedom to express their questions, dreams, needs and talents. Inspire by suggesting possibilities, but leave room for failure.

Create a safe environment, give confidence and respect

Respect teens and their opinions without any form of judgement or prejudice. Get to know them and ensure good group dynamics. Bear in mind that the artistic process can be an emotional outlet, so give the necessary attention and time. Respect their rhythm and work in a location they know, where they can hang out and which their parents approve of.

Stimulate teens and make them co-owners

Give them the space to be independent, to take initiative and to create things themselves. Involve them as role models and give them a full place and responsibility, even in more sensitive areas (e.g. financially).

Challenge them to step out of their comfort zone, let them meet others so they can support each other, and work towards a strong closing moment. Make sure they are proud of themselves and their efforts.

Find teens yourself (because they won't find you)

Make a clear choice about who you want to work with. Do you want to work with an existing group? Or would you rather reach new teens? Find them where they already are: in organised youth work, public spaces, etc. Think about the best way to reach them.

Bear in mind that they can often be reached through their parents. So use a separate communication strategy for teens (social media, language used by parent- teens) and keep the channel for reaching teens accessible and informal. Continue to invest in verbal communication.

Support supervisors and artists working with teens

Give supervisors and artists the space to build a relationship of confidence. Trust and support them so that they can be flexible with the teens and at the same time dare to set boundaries.

Work with supervisors and artists from whom teens want to learn, who think outside the box and who dare to let go of their frame of reference. Also give artists and supervisors the space to grow themselves.

Work with partners who offer added value for teens

Consider which (local) partners could complement your project. Together with those partners, determine the objectives of the project and define the role of each partner. Make conscious choices that take into account all users of the space where the project takes place. Work with partners who are already known to teens and make sure they have the opportunity to get acquainted.