Designed in partnership with Humans in the Loop (a social enterprise providing digital work and training to people affected by conflict) the Creative Professional Development Programme was a pilot project blending performance, coaching, and soft skills development for people displaced by conflict, primarily Ukrainian women based in Bulgaria. The programme aimed to build confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking through creativity.

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Participants joined from across Bulgaria for online coaching sessions and in-person workshops in Sofia and Varna. Together, they explored storytelling, problem-solving, public speaking, and the power of creative expression, connecting art and identity to practical career development. Workshops included movement-based exercises, coaching techniques, and reflective practice. They were delivered in English and Bulgarian (with translation in Ukrainian and Russian) and were tailored to each participant’s needs.

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The project placed lived experience at the centre, helping participants set personal goals, navigate change, and reimagine professional pathways. A standout feature was the community it built with most participants still in touch with one another. 

The programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback and is set to continue with future editions in 2025/26. It demonstrates the power of arts-based development for those rebuilding their lives after conflict, offering not just skills, but belonging and community. 

 

In 2024/25 the programme was supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. 

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If you are interested in hosting a similar programme for your beneficiaries or staff, please contact producer Claire Gilbert on producer@lorakrasteva.com