Creative Youth Information Award category

“MINE ÄRA” – A travelling exhibition on international youth work experiences and opportunities

Title of the Project

“MINE ÄRA” – A travelling exhibition on international youth work experiences and opportunities

Organisation

Viljandi valla noortekeskus ft. Viljandi Avatud Noortetuba, Suure-Jaani noortekeskus, Kersti Telkinen and Karksi-Nuia A.K.nim gümnaasium

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/viljandivallanoortekeskus

Project link

https://www.facebook.com/events/1450604362704280/?active_tab=discussion

https://www.viljandivald.ee/uudised/viljandi-kutseoppekeskuses-avati-inspireeriv-randnaitus-mine-ara

Project dates

February 1, 2025

December 11, 2025

What is it about?

“MINE ÄRA” (“GO AWAY”) is a travelling exhibition created to raise awareness of international youth work opportunities through personal stories, art, and dialogue. The project was initiated by the ED Viljandimaa regional network and implemented collaboratively by youth workers from all municipalities of Viljandi County. 

The project aimed to make international opportunities such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU more visible, relatable, and accessible to young people and youth-related professionals who may not be familiar with these programmes. Instead of traditional informational methods, the exhibition used a creative and emotional approach, allowing visitors to connect with real-life experiences rather than abstract descriptions. The exhibition presents eight personal stories from across Viljandimaa, accompanied by artistic interpretations created by young people and youth professionals with international experience. 

Through visual art, written reflections, and symbolic elements, it explores how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can support personal growth, learning, and active citizenship. Over four months, the exhibition travelled across all municipalities of Viljandi County and was displayed in accessible public spaces such as cultural centres, a vocational education centre, and community buildings. This ensured outreach to both urban and rural areas, including young people who do not regularly engage in youth centres or international activities. The project was youth-informed and practitioner-led, with contributors shaping both the content and narrative. Each exhibition opening included discussions, informal conversations, and direct contact with local ED multipliers. 

As a result, the exhibition sparked curiosity, encouraged reflection, and led to concrete follow-up actions, including young people and teachers contacting ED multipliers to learn more about international opportunities. The concept also inspired other Estonian ED multipliers, who expressed interest in creating similar exhibitions in their own counties using local stories.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

The “MINE ÄRA” travelling exhibition strongly corresponds to the Creative Youth Information Award through its innovative, artistic, and experience-based approach to youth information. Instead of relying on traditional information materials, the project transformed international youth work opportunities into an emotional and relatable experience, using personal stories and creative expression as its core method.

The exhibition presented eight authentic stories and artworks created by young people and youth professionals with international experience. By combining visual art, storytelling, and reflective questions, the project encouraged visitors to engage actively with the topic and reconsider their own attitudes towards mobility, learning, and personal development. The provocative title “MINE ÄRA” (“GO AWAY”) was deliberately chosen to spark curiosity and dialogue, challenging visitors to reflect on why leaving one’s comfort zone can be a powerful learning opportunity.

The travelling format itself was a creative youth information tool. By moving across urban and rural areas and being hosted in accessible public spaces, the exhibition reached young people who may not normally participate in youth centre activities or actively seek information about international opportunities. In rural areas, schools visited the exhibition with classes in certain age groups (13+).

Furthermore, the project integrated direct interaction with Eurodesk multipliers during exhibition openings and on-site discussions, allowing information to be personalised and adapted to visitors’ interests and needs. This combination of creativity, storytelling, and face-to-face dialogue resulted in an engaging, innovative, and replicable youth information practice that successfully raised awareness of European opportunities in an inclusive and memorable way.

What was the impact of the project?

The “MINE ÄRA” travelling exhibition had a clear and measurable impact on both young people and the wider community. By presenting international youth work opportunities through personal stories and creative expression, the project significantly increased awareness and understanding of European mobility programmes among audiences who had little or no prior knowledge.

Young visitors reported feeling inspired and more confident to consider international experiences, with several approaching local Eurodesk multipliers to ask concrete questions about programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps and DiscoverEU. Teachers and youth-related professionals highlighted that the exhibition broadened their understanding of international youth work and motivated them to invite Eurodesk representatives and international volunteers to schools for further activities.

The exhibition also strengthened cooperation at the local and regional level. Youth workers from all municipalities of Viljandi County collaborated closely throughout the project, leading to increased peer learning, shared practices, and stronger professional connections. This cooperation has already resulted in follow-up initiatives and a growing interest in continuing joint actions beyond the exhibition.

On a community level, the project contributed to more open discussions about mobility, learning, and personal development, particularly in rural areas where access to international information is often limited. The positive feedback from visitors, partner institutions, and representatives of the Education and Youth Board (HARNO) confirmed the project’s relevance and effectiveness.

Did the project have any green focus?

Sustainability considerations were integrated into the project where possible. The travelling exhibition format allowed the same materials to be reused across multiple locations, reducing the need for repeated production. While printed posters were used for local promotion, the majority of communication relied on digital channels such as social media and online platforms.

The exhibition was hosted in existing public spaces, avoiding the need for additional infrastructure or resource-intensive setups. After the exhibition period ended, the artworks were returned to each local municipality and reused in youth centres, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.

This balanced approach combined practical, realistic choices with material reuse and long-term accessibility, supporting more sustainable youth information practices without compromising community outreach or inclusivity.

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

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured through extensive communication and a strong on-site presence. Press releases were published, host venues shared information on their websites, and city and county tourism portals promoted the travelling exhibition. Information was also shared through the social media channels of all Viljandi County youth centres and partner schools. Representatives of the Estonian Eurodesk National Coordinator under the Education and Youth Board (HARNO) attended exhibition openings and shared information through official channels. Local Eurodesk Viljandimaa network members were present at each opening, engaging directly with visitors.

Project highlights

https://www.facebook.com/events/1450604362704280/?active_tab=discussion

Your project on video

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHfrJ9NtH4O/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKJiQkRN8fa/?img_index=1