Youth Media Incubator by Art Lab Sudan
Year: 2022 / 2023

Introduction

In 2022, Art Lab Sudan launched a pilot project called STEP-2, a media incubator designed to build the skills of young people in Sudan. The goal was to help them use media tools to create powerful awareness content that supports their communities.

Even though the project had zero budget and no external funding, the Art Lab team worked hard using internal resources to make it happen — showing strong commitment to youth and community development.

How the Project Worked

• Open Call for Applications:
  A public form was shared for youth interested in media. More than 250 young people from across Sudan applied.

• Selection Process:
  Applications were carefully reviewed. A shortlist was created based on clear criteria.

• Final Participants:
  Six participants (3 males and 3 females) were selected based on passion, commitment, and potential.

Training and Activities

• Training Duration:
  The program was planned to run for 6 months, combining both practical and theoretical learning.

• Workshops and Sessions:
  Art Lab collaborated with expert trainers and facilitators to provide workshops in:

  • Video production

  • Content creation

  • Photography

  • Editing

  • Awareness messaging

  • Media ethics

• Supportive Environment:
  Despite limited resources, Art Lab provided a full training space and tools to support participants’ growth and creativity.

Challenges Faced

• Interruption by War:
  Sadly, the project was interrupted in October 2023, when the war began in Khartoum on the 15th of October. This forced us to stop the program before it was completed.

• Financial Limitations:
  The entire program was done without external funding, which was a big challenge — but the team’s dedication made it possible.

Achievements and Success

Even though the program didn’t finish as planned, it was still a great success:

• Real Skill-Building:
  The six trainees developed strong skills in media and content creation.

• New Opportunities:
  After the program:

  • Some participants found media jobs

  • Others received grants and opportunities from other organizations

  • A few even joined new creative projects

• Success Stories:
  The skills they gained helped them grow personally and professionally, which makes us very proud.