Creative Youth Information Award category

From Drawing to Graffiti – Europe Through My Eyes

Title of the Project

From Drawing to Graffiti – Europe Through My Eyes

Organisation

Chance for the Children and Nature of Bulgaria Foundation

WEBSITE

https://www.forbgkids.org

Project link

https://bnrnews.bg/burgas/post/366166/burgaski-uchenici-shte-vidat-svoite-risunki-kato-grafit-na-esteo

https://www.burgas.bg/bg/novini/mladezhki-art-hepaning-evropa-prez-moite-ochi

Project dates

2025-10-10

2025-12-06

What is it about?

“From Drawing to Graffiti – Europe Through My Eyes” is a local youth initiative created to mark 35 years of the Eurodesk network in Burgas, Bulgaria. The idea was to give young people a chance to share how they see Europe, using art as their language. The project started with a regional drawing contest for young people aged 14–19 from Burgas and the surrounding area. Participants were invited to draw a place in Europe they love, a trip they dream of, a symbol of togetherness, or their own idea of Europe’s future. A lot of young people took part, showing strong interest and a wide range of ideas.

A jury of renowned national artists and cultural professionals selected the winning drawings. These artworks were then used as the basis for a public graffiti artwork created in the city centre by a professional graffiti artist. The final artwork now remains in the urban space as a visible result of young people’s ideas and creativity. On the final day of the project, we unveiled the graffiti and held an event, during which we held an open information session about Eurodesk, explaining what the network is and how young people can use it to find opportunities for learning, travel, volunteering, and youth projects in Europe. This was followed by a short, interactive quiz on Europe to test the knowledge of young people about Europe, which acted as an ice-breaking moment. The event concluded with a ceremony for the finalists of the drawing contest, who received awards for their recognition and creativity.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative fits the Creative Youth Information category because it shared information about Europe in a way that felt natural and engaging for young people. Instead of relying on formal presentations or technical explanations, the project used art and participation as the main entry points. Young people were not only given information about Europe – they were invited to think about it, interpret it, and express what it means to them in their own way. The drawing contest gave participants the time and space to reflect and create, without pressure or fixed expectations. Their perspectives became part of the city and something others could relate to and talk about. Information about Eurodesk was shared in an informal setting, closely connected to the creative activities. Instead of long talks, young people learned through conversation, visual examples, and interactive elements such as a short quiz. This made the information easier to understand and encouraged questions and discussion. By bringing together art, public space, and youth information, the project reached young people who might not usually attend information sessions or actively look for European programmes. The initiative showed that learning about Europe does not have to happen in formal settings – it can take place in everyday spaces, through shared experiences, creativity, and dialogue. In the end, the initiative confirmed that young people engage more openly with European topics when they are invited to participate, create, and connect.

What was the impact of the project?

For many young people, this project was their first experience of taking part in a public initiative where their ideas truly mattered and could be physically visible and materialised. Seeing their drawings displayed and turned into a graffiti artwork gave participants confidence and a sense of recognition. The project also helped young people learn more about European opportunities, such as youth exchanges, travel programmes, and volunteering. Moreover, during the closing event, we played an interactive youth activity. Participants were invited to “connect” with each other by writing their Instagram profiles under the European capital they dream of visiting, encouraging interaction, shared interests, and future connections around common travel goals.

The wider community was also positively affected. The graffiti added a new element to the city centre and sparked curiosity among passers-by. Parents, teachers, and local residents engaged with the project through the exhibition and the final event. The empty old wall, now being turned into a beautiful piece of art even before it was finalised, made people stop and reflect on the elements. Apart from the graffiti, we also distributed informational materials at various locations across the city, aiming to reach a wider group of young people and further promote Eurodesk. Overall, the initiative helped strengthen the connection between young people, their city, and Europe, while encouraging participation, creativity, and open conversation. This initiative is also now recognised as an additional “point” in the portfolio of Burgas and the city’s attempt to become a European Capital of Culture in 2032.

Did the project have any green focus?

The main result of the project – the graffiti – is a long-lasting artwork, not a temporary installation. This is a sustainable approach to showcase the work of young people, rather than a brief exhibition or a short presentation of a project. The value and message of this type of art are further strengthened by the choice of many schools and educational institutions in Burgas to make it onto their own facades or interior rooms.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

Eurodesk’s visibility was consistent throughout the project. Our initiative was organised to mark the 35th anniversary, and this was clearly communicated in all announcements and social media posts. During the final event, we held an open Eurodesk information session, where young people could learn about European opportunities and ask questions. Eurodesk materials were available on site, and the role of the local Eurodesk point in Burgas was clearly explained as a place where young people can get free information and support. Giveaway items (brochures, pens, etc.) with the anniversary logo were given to participants.

Project highlights

https://bnrnews.bg/burgas/post/366166/burgaski-uchenici-shte-vidat-svoite-risunki-kato-grafit-na-esteo

Your project on video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_ROXLWDAk

https://www.tiktok.com/@centerforyoungtalents/video/7560611331003436310