Stimuleringsfonds

In Maastricht, Fashion Makes Sense is showing young people that fashion extends far beyond clothing alone. The programme, delivered by FASHIONCLASH, secured funding in 2024 through the Open Call Platforms for Design-based Learning from the Creative Industries Fund NL in partnership with the Cultural Participation Fund. Over one thousand young people have now taken part in workshops and events, culminating in a spectacular performance during Maastricht's Heiligdomsvaart pilgrimage. Interested in applying? The next round is currently open and closes 17 September 2025, 16:00 CEST.

20 August 2025

Co-creation

FASHIONCLASH puts collaboration at the heart of fashion. Through Fashion Makes Sense, young people aged 8 to 30 join creative processes as equal partners rather than passive learners. 'We treat young people as co-creators, not students,' says artistic director Branko Popović.

The programme's free Pop-Up Atelier at Centre Céramique library and museum provides a vital creative hub. Young people explore upcycling, photography, video and textile art while connecting fashion to pressing contemporary issues like sustainability, inclusion and identity. This approach fosters a dynamic learning space where personal expression flourish.

Participants from Pop-Up Atelier workshops in their handmade blue outfits for the Heiligdomsvaart. Photo: Jonathan Widdershoven.

Fashion meets the city

Fashion Makes Sense stands out for seamlessly connecting studio creativity with urban life. 'We aim to place fashion within its broader social context,' Popović explains. 'By deliberately staging projects in public spaces, we make creative work immediately accessible to everyone.'

Rather than keeping projects hidden away, Fashion Makes Sense brings them into the community. Young participants showcase their creations during high-profile events like Museumnacht Maastricht and the FASHIONCLASH Festival, reaching thousands of visitors.

The recent Mensen dragen mensen (People carry people) performance during the Heiligdomsvaart exemplifies this approach perfectly. This centuries-old pilgrimage tradition occurs every seven years in Maastricht, and Fashion Makes Sense participants joined forces with co-creators across generations to form a 100-strong group. Together, they crafted costumes, flags and objects entirely from discarded textiles sourced through partner RD4. Theatre maker Noah Janssen guided the group in creating a powerful contemporary ritual that captivated around fifty thousand spectators.

Mensen dragen mensen during the Heiligdomsvaart. Photo: Jonathan Widdershoven.

Launching creative careers

Public presentation builds genuine ownership among participants. 'Young people develop strong connections to their work because they're involved from conception through to final presentation,' notes Popović. The programme's inclusive approach, with no selection criteria or entry requirements, creates a supportive environment that encourages bold experimentation.

When participants see their work featured at festivals and major events, they experience real recognition and validation. Many go on to use their creations in university portfolios or discover entirely new creative passions. 'The programme serves as a genuine launchpad. {articipants move on to internships, collaborative projects, and some even launch professional careers,' Popović observes.

Nurturing conscious creators

Fashion Makes Sense demonstrates fashion's potential as a catalyst for both personal growth and social transformation. By respecting young people as serious creative practitioners and providing platforms for their work, the programme cultivates a new generation of makers who approach creativity, sustainability and community with genuine awareness and purpose.