Representing European youth values in graffiti art

Creative Youth Information Award category

Representing European youth values in graffiti art

Organisation

MJIC "Kvartāls"

Country

Latvia

WEBSITE

https://kvartals.lv/

Project link

http://kvartals.lv/jauniesu-centra-kvartals-sienu-rota-jauns-makslasdarbs/

General Overview

The project aimed to engage young people aged 13 to 25, primarily through a survey designed to identify their values and the most relevant priorities of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. Another key target group was the broader community of Līvāni municipality residents and visitors, who could see the graffiti artwork created on the wall of the MJIC Kvartāls Youth Centre.

The project had three main objectives: gathering insights into youth values and European programme priorities, encouraging youth to reflect on these priorities through meaningful participation, and creating a graffiti mural based on their survey responses. The mural featured the youth centre’s name alongside stylised “emoji” representations reflecting the survey results, with their sizes corresponding to the importance ranked by participants. Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured by integrating its name directly into the mural.

Additionally, on the same day, young people collaborated with a professional artist to generate creative ideas and design the visual identity for the Latvian Youth International Programmes Agency. This hands-on experience resulted in a youth-created logo that now adorns the agency’s staff merchandise. In the evening, participants engaged in various sports activities, promoting teamwork and an active lifestyle.

Digital elements played a key role: the survey was distributed online, and a digital sketch of the mural was created from the collected data. This not only minimised environmental impact but also demonstrated digital transformation in action.

By combining art, creativity, and physical activity, the project empowered young people, fostered their involvement in European initiatives, and left a lasting cultural and visual legacy. It creatively highlighted their perspectives while strengthening connections within the local community and beyond.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

The initiative aligns strongly with the Creative Youth Information category by employing innovative, interactive, and visually engaging methods to raise awareness about European opportunities, particularly those offered by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. By integrating graffiti art, youth participation, and creative workshops, the project successfully transformed traditional information-sharing approaches into a dynamic and impactful experience. The project involved young people in a two-step process: first, a survey to gather insights on their values and priorities regarding Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, and second, the creation of a mural reflecting the survey results. This interactive approach encouraged youth to reflect on their values and connect them with European programme opportunities. The mural featured stylised “emoji” designs symbolising youth perspectives, depicted in varying sizes based on their significance, creating a visually meaningful artwork.

On the same day, young people collaborated with a professional artist to develop ideas and design the visual identity for the Latvian Youth International Programmes Agency. This hands-on creative process resulted in a youth-designed logo that now adorns the agency’s staff merchandise, demonstrating the value of youth-driven branding. The day concluded with sports activities where young participants engaged in various sports, fostering teamwork and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The use of graffiti as a medium was bold and innovative, turning a simple wall into a creative canvas celebrating youth perspectives. The mural process blended physical and digital methods, as a digital sketch was created based on the survey responses. Eurodesk’s visibility was integrated into the artwork itself, providing a lasting and unconventional reminder of European opportunities. Digital outreach amplified the survey’s reach, inviting broad youth participation.

This initiative demonstrated a creative, youth-led approach that empowered young voices while creatively showcasing European opportunities in an engaging, memorable way.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The project had a significant impact on both young people and the broader Līvāni community by fostering creativity, engagement, and awareness about European opportunities. Young people participated by voicing their opinions on values and priorities related to Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes through a targeted survey. This process encouraged reflection on their personal values and the role of European initiatives in their lives. Their collective input was transformed into a meaningful graffiti mural, sparking a sense of ownership and pride.

On the same day, young people worked with a professional artist to design the visual identity for the Latvian Youth International Programmes Agency. The result was a youth-designed logo now featured on the agency’s merchandise. The day concluded with various sports activities, promoting teamwork and community spirit.

The mural, located on the wall of the MJIC Kvartāls Youth Centre, became a vibrant symbol of youth voices and European values. Stylised “emoji” graphics represented the priorities identified by the survey, depicted in varying sizes based on their importance. This visually striking artwork turned the youth centre into a community landmark, sparking conversations among residents and visitors.

The broader community benefitted from the mural’s cultural and educational impact, raising awareness of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes in a creative, accessible way. Digital outreach and the survey process connected youth organisations across Latvia, amplifying the project’s reach.

By blending art, youth participation, and European information dissemination, the project promoted greater engagement and empowerment. It left a lasting reminder of youth creativity, collaboration, and the importance of European opportunities, inspiring ongoing conversations within the community.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

The project incorporated eco-friendly measures throughout its organisation. The graffiti mural was created using water-based, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) spray paints, minimising environmental and health impacts. The mural’s permanence also reduced the need for disposable promotional materials, such as printed posters or banners. Efforts were made to minimise waste, with waste sorting encouraged and reduced rubbish production. During the sports activities, recycled materials were creatively used for decorations, further supporting sustainability.

Additionally, the project’s digital approach, including online surveys and social media invitations, significantly reduced paper usage. The creation of a digital mural sketch minimised material waste while integrating digital design into the project.

These actions demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, creativity, and responsible resource use, engaging both young people and the broader community in eco-conscious activities. The project incorporated eco-friendly measures and promoted sustainability through mindful choices during its organisation. The graffiti mural was created using environmentally responsible practices.

Creative Youth Information Award category