Makethechange

What is Action Academy?

Created by The Earth Prize's Educator Hub, Action Academy is a free, asynchronous learning program open to children everywhere in the world. Through hands-on challenges, young people explore real-world issues, develop creative solutions, and learn how to turn their ideas into meaningful action.

The Gaia Changemakers Program has partnered with Action Academy to invite young people to transform their creativity into positive action. Discover the Action Academy challenge here.

As proud partners, we're bringing the Art for Impact challenge to life through a week of creativity, connection, and purpose, exploring nature, making meaningful art, and discovering how stories can spark real change.

At a glance

The Art for Impact program brings together creativity, sustainability, and personal growth in one unforgettable week in the Swiss Alps.

Through hands-on artistic experiences, climate learning, and collaboration with inspiring artists, scientists, and changemakers, participants discover how creativity can become a powerful force for positive change.

This is not about being a professional artist. It's about exploring new ways of seeing, thinking, expressing, and taking action.

Who:

Teens aged 14–19 with a passion for creativity and impact

What:

A 1-week immersive experience in the Swiss Alps

When:

July 6–11, 2026

Group size:

15 participants for a close-knit, collaborative experience

Cost:

Seedling Contributor: CHF 750
‍Flourishing Contributor: CHF 1,500
‍Abundant Contributor: CHF 1,900

The Flourishing fee covers the full program cost. Seedling places are made possible through the support of Abundant contributors.

Ready to join?

Register 2026

Registrations close on June 25!

Want to find out more?

Download brochure

Why This Program?

For too long, art and science have been treated as separate worlds.We believe the challenges of our time require both.

Art for Impact invites young people to explore how creativity can help us understand complex global challenges, process emotions, communicate ideas, and inspire action.

This generation has a lot riding on their shoulders. But before big action comes belief.

Throughout the week participants will:

Explore the connection between creativity and sustainability

Learn from artists, scientists, and environmental leaders

Build confidence in self-expression and storytelling

Develop resilience and emotional intelligence

Discover how creative practice can support social and environmental change

Art for Impact brings together creativity, science, sustainability, and storytelling to help young people explore how change happens in the real world.

A 1-week journey

Day 1: Arrival & Setting the Scene

1

Travel to Scuol and explore climate systems through Climate Fresk, an interactive workshop that brings climate complexity to life.

You'll learn:

Systems thinking
Climate awareness
Team building and collaboration

Day 2: Rooted in the Land

Create natural skincare products from local plants and learn traditional sgraffito art techniques using natural materials.

You'll learn:

Sustainable craftsmanship
Cultural storytelling
Creative approaches to sustainability‍

2

Day 3: The Work That Reconnects

3

Experience the transformative power of the Work That Reconnects, a framework that helps transform feelings of overwhelm, grief, or disconnection into resilience, connection, purpose, and meaningful action.

Day 4: To the Glacier

Visit the Morteratsch Glacier and meet Dr. Felix Keller to explore climate science, music, and environmental innovation.

You'll learn:

Glacier ecosystems
Climate impacts
Nature-inspired creativity

4

Day 5: On the Glacier

5

Experience one of the world's most inspiring classrooms while exploring the relationship between art, advocacy, and action.

You'll learn:

Creative climate communication
Artistic storytelling
Visioning positive futures

Day 6: Reflection & Next Steps

6

Celebrate the journey, share insights, and explore how creativity can continue shaping your impact beyond the program.

You'll learn:

Personal reflection
Creative leadership
Turning inspiration into action

The Art of Change

This week is an invitation to explore the relationship between creativity, sustainability, and leadership.

Participants learn how artistic expression can help shape a more hopeful and resilient future.

What Will You Learn?

Participants develop future-ready skills through a unique combination of creativity, sustainability, and experiential learning.

Core Learning Areas
✔︎ Systems Thinking
✔︎ Creative Confidence
✔︎ Climate Literacy
✔︎ Storytelling & Communication
✔︎ Emotional Resilience
✔︎ Collaboration & Leadership
✔︎ Sustainability & Regenerative Thinking

What Will You Experience?

✔︎ Hands-on artistic creation
✔︎ Outdoor learning in alpine environments
✔︎ Glacier exploration
✔︎ Workshops with artists and scientists
✔︎ Reflection circles and community-building
✔︎ Sustainable living practices
✔︎ Cultural immersion in the Engadin region

What a Day Looks Like

Morning – Start & Create (8:30–12:00)
Welcome circle, group check-in, creative workshops, and hands-on artistic experiences.

Explore traditional art techniques, natural materials, sustainability themes, and creative challenges inspired by the Alpine environment.

‍Midday – Recharge & Connect (12:00–1:30)
Lunch together, free time, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants while enjoying the beauty of the Engadin region.

‍Afternoon – Explore & Collaborate (1:30–5:30)
Collaborative projects, sustainability workshops, outdoor learning, glacier exploration, systems thinking activities, and sessions with artists, scientists, and changemakers.

‍Evening – Unwind & Reflect (6:00–8:30)
Dinner together, storytelling, guided reflections, creative sharing, music, and special community experiences that help transform learning into personal insight.

Creative. Meaningful. Transformative.

Meet our collaborators

Dr. Felix Keller
Glaciologist, inventor, musician, and creator of the MortAlive glacier protection project. Felix combines science, creativity, and climate action in unique and inspiring ways.
Learn more

‍UNESCO Biosphere Engadine
A leading model region for sustainable development where nature conservation, culture, and community thrive together.
Learn more

Tina Roner
Sustainability expert specializing in mountain development, regenerative agriculture, and community-led sustainability initiatives.
Learn more

Joannes Wetzel
Traditional artist and craftsman known for reviving historic lime-plaster and natural pigment techniques rooted in local cultural heritage.
Learn more

‍Charlotte Qin
Founder of Meeting of Waters and international artivist using creative storytelling and artistic practice to inspire environmental action.
Learn more

Ready to join?

Register for 2026

Registrations close on June 25!

Want to find out more?

Download brochure

Have any questions?

Schedule a call with our founder

Want to become a sponsor/ collaborator?

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply?

Art for Impact is open to young people aged 14–19 who are curious about creativity, sustainability, leadership, and making a positive impact in the world.

Do I need to be good at art?

Not at all. No previous artistic experience is required. The program is designed for anyone who is open to exploring creativity, trying new things, and learning through hands-on experiences.

Should I be interested in art?

Not necessarily. Art for Impact is about making a difference in the world, especially when it comes to climate action. We use art as a tool to explore ideas, express ourselves, and inspire change. You don't need any artistic background, just curiosity and a willingness to make an impact.

What language is the program in?

The program is conducted in English.

How many participants attend?

To keep the experience personal and meaningful, the program is limited to approximately 15 participants.

What is included in the fee?

The program fee includes accommodation, vegetarian meals, local transportation during the program, workshops, activities, expert sessions, materials, and supervision throughout the week.

How are participants supported throughout the week?

Participants stay in supervised accommodation and shared rooms with other participants, with experienced staff accompanying the group throughout the program.

Vegetarian meals are provided, airport pick-up and drop-off are included, and participants travel using Switzerland's safe public transportation network.

AirTags are used as an additional safety measure, and all activities are carefully planned with participant well-being as the highest priority.

What if my child is travelling alone?

Many participants join independently and quickly build strong friendships through the program's small group size, supportive community, and collaborative activities. Our team is available throughout the week to support participants and stay in contact with families when needed.

Can participants arrive early or stay an extra night?

Yes. If travelling from far away or requiring additional flexibility, accommodation can be arranged for the Sunday before the program begins or the Saturday after it ends. An additional fee of CHF 150 per night applies.

Can participants arrive early or stay an extra night?

Yes. If travelling from far away or requiring additional flexibility, accommodation can be arranged for the Sunday before the program begins or the Saturday after it ends. An additional fee of CHF 150 per night applies.

Does this program help fulfill IB CAS requirements?

Yes. The program aligns well with the goals of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component. Through artistic expression, outdoor experiences, collaboration, leadership opportunities, and community engagement, participants can develop and document meaningful CAS experiences

As CAS requirements may vary between schools, we recommend confirming eligibility with your CAS coordinator.

What are the program fees?

Semi-Residential
CHF 5,700
Early Bird (before Feb 28, 2026): CHF 4,700

‍Fully-Residential
CHF 7,200
Early Bird: CHF 6,200

What does the fee include?

For all students:

Daily lunch in Zurich
All weekday program activities
Welcome dinner (July 6th)
All activities, accommodation, and meals in Prague and the Alps
Travel between Zurich, Prague, and the Alps

For fully-residential students:

All meals from July 5th (arrival day) until July 24th
Evening and weekend activities
Accommodation for the full duration (July 5–24)
Airport pickup and drop-off at Zurich Airport on arrival and departure dates

All students must have personal health and travel insurance.

What is the difference between semi-residential and fully-residential?

Semi-residential students:

Arrange their own accommodation in Zurich
Do not have weekend/evening accommodation in Zurich
Have transport, meals, and accommodation included in Prague and the Alps

Fully-residential students:

Stay with the program for the entire duration
Participate in all weekend and evening activities
Receive airport transfers on official arrival/departure dates

What will accommodation be like?

In Zurich and Prague, participants stay in youth hostels that meet high standards of safety and cleanliness. Rooms are shared with fellow program participants. Some hostels offer private bathrooms and showers, though this cannot be guaranteed.

In the Alps, participants stay in a remote and traditional Swiss mountain hut, which we will hike to together. Accommodation is simple, shared, and part of the authentic alpine experience. At all times, one or more Make The Change chaperones stay on-site with students.

If you would like more details and photos of accommodation, please request our Student Needs Brochure at gcp@makethechange.education.

Do you help with visa applications?

Unfortunately, we are not able to assist with visa applications at this time. Students who are not Swiss residents must ensure they apply for and obtain the appropriate travel permissions well in advance. Please note that Switzerland is part of the Schengen region, so entry requirements may depend on your nationality.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Until Dec 31, 2025: Full refund minus CHF 200 processing fee
Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2026: 50% refund
From March 1, 2026 onward: No refund

We strongly recommend cancellation insurance.

Is financial assistance available?

Once the minimum number of participants required to run the program has been reached, we offer a limited number of places for asylum seekers based in the Zurich area (with the relevant residence permit).

We are committed to increasing accessibility and would welcome sponsorships or donations to expand opportunities for more students.

If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the program, please contact us at gcp@makethechange.education.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payment plans may be discussed individually. Please contact us to explore options.

How do you ensure safety and well-being?

The health, safety, and well-being of our students is always our highest priority. We are committed to providing the support necessary to ensure students feel safe, healthy, and able to fully engage in the program experience.

All team members undergo background checks and hold up-to-date first-aid certification. We also have a comprehensive Student Needs Brochure outlining our safety protocols and participant care approach. You may request this by emailing gcp@makethechange.education.

What is the staff-to-student ratio?

Approximately 1:10, depending on the location and activities.

What happens if my child becomes ill?

We will ensure appropriate medical care and keep parents/guardians informed of any significant concerns.

Participants must have personal health and travel insurance.

Are students supervised at all times?

Yes. During program hours and residential stays, supervision is continuous.

Structured free time is permitted in small groups within clearly defined boundaries.

Who are the instructors?

The program is led by founder Diya Kanoria, an experienced international educator with degrees from the University of Cambridge, Duke University, and University College London.

She is joined by Myrto Vandersee, a facilitator specialising in environmental science and sustainability.

Students also engage with guest experts and partner organisations throughout the program.

What if my child has dietary restrictions?

Dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

Is travel environmentally responsible?

We are mindful of our footprint and can support families in arranging carbon offset solutions for travel.

Ready to create change through creativity?

Spend an unforgettable week in the Swiss Alps exploring art, sustainability, leadership, and the power of creative action.

Register for 2026

Registrations close on June 25!

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Art for Impact

What is Action Academy?

At a glance

Who:

What:

When:

Group size:

Cost:

Ready to join?

Want to find out more?

More questions?

Why This Program?

A 1-week journey

Day 1: Arrival & Setting the Scene

1

Day 2: Rooted in the Land

2

Day 3: The Work That Reconnects

3

Day 4: To the Glacier

4

Day 5: On the Glacier

5

Day 6: Reflection & Next Steps

6

The Art of Change

Frequently asked questions