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Description
The This and That project represents an innovative model of work integration of people with mental disabilities - "draftsmen" in order to turn their artistic hobby (drawing, graphics) into work and offer an alternative to a sheltered workshop. It is based on the cooperation of draftsmen and professional creatives (Collaborative Art) and education (workshops). The project is a successful continuation of the project from the 1st call of the ACF program, while in the 2nd stage it is expected to expand the product portfolio, develop work habits and increase the market share. The project will also include an educational exhibition for the public on the problematics and artistic production of people with mental disabilities. The project economically strengthens the selected target group and at the same time helps to eliminate the prejudices of the majority towards the given vulnerable group. It is innovative in its efforts to find real employment for people with mental disabilities, but more especially the recognition. The aim is to minimize financial dependence on the state, which mostly leads to the passivity of beneficiaries and to connect with professionals and the corporate sector, and become a competitive brand with a social dimension. The project is being implemented in Bratislava and will involve 10 people with mild and moderate stage of mental disabilities - members of the working team of the creative brand This and That. The long-term goal is to direct the project to create a social enterprise.
Summary of project results
The aim of the "Hento Toto" project was to build on the previous project which was based on work integration of people with intellectual disabilities through the model of Collaborative Art (teamwork of talented people with intellectual disabilities and professional creatives on shared design products) and improving the professional skills of the target group through a series of art workshops. In this phase we were further building the team and, in cooperation with experts, developing a detailed material, product, educational, sales and marketing plan of the "Hento Toto" brand. We sell our products in stores throughout Slovakia and in the Czech Republic, we sell through our own e-shop, we customize make graphic designs according to order. We show the work of our friends to a growing audience. The project activities consisted of the development of a product, education, business and marketing plan, follow-up consultation with experts on branding, regular coaching of the clients and the production and sale of the products created by them. The project resulted in 1 000 graphic designs, 21 prototypes of new products, the sale of the created products in 51 stores, growing sales through e-shop, stable group of 8 artists, creation of application for social enterprise status. A total of 39 people took part in the project. The project strengthened the position of a group of vulnerable friends. It is a model of innovative social and work integration of people with mental disabilities. It also serves as an example of good practice for other organizations.