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Description
Vabamu is building an exhibition platform to reach each county and every Estonian in two years, supporting the modern museum experience outside Tallinn free of charge.
For many people, democracy, the functioning of society and the role of citizens are overlooked compared with day-to-day life. Summer 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Estonia, prompting increased interest in our republic. The upcoming anniversary is an excellent opportunity to consider the changes that have taken place over the past 30 years and their cause, substance and meaning. The travelling exhibition looks back at the restoration of independence and the past 30 years and shows the importance of each person in building and maintaining a democracy. We want to show people that establishing an independent democracy was no coincidence and it required those with the will and skills to cooperate and seize the moment to restore independence. This exhibition highlights that, had we remained passive citizens, our country and society would be very different. It is inspiring and gives hands-on experience of the rights and obligations of citizens.
The exhibition includes a programme of talks and training sessions on democracy to give citizens practical insight how to participate and contribute to everyday functioning of democracy.
Summary of project results
The project was initiated to address the tendency of many individuals to overlook the significance of democracy, societal functions, and the role of citizens in comparison to daily life. The summer of 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of Estonia''s restoration of independence, sparking increased interest in the republic. This milestone provided an ideal opportunity to reflect on the transformations of the past three decades, examining their causes, substance, and implications.
The traveling exhibition was designed to revisit the restoration of independence and the developments of the past 30 years, emphasizing the crucial role of individuals in establishing and upholding democracy. It aimed to illustrate that the establishment of an independent democracy was not a mere coincidence but rather the result of determined individuals who possessed the will and ability to collaborate and seize the opportunity to restore independence. The exhibition underscored that passivity among citizens could have led to a vastly different national and societal landscape.
Beyond serving as an inspiring showcase, the exhibition provided a hands-on experience of citizens'' rights and responsibilities. Accompanying the exhibition was a program of talks and training sessions on democracy, equipping citizens with practical knowledge on how to contribute meaningfully to the country.
The project facilitated the creation of an interactive and engaging traveling exhibition, built on the foundation of Estonia’s restoration of independence and the experience of living in freedom. The exhibition was divided into two main sections: the restoration of independence and the 30 years of life in a free society. The latter formed the core of the exhibition and was thematically organized into different sectors. To ensure accessibility, the exhibition was presented in three languages—Estonian, Russian, and English.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the project included supplementary programs such as democracy training sessions and debates organized by the debate society. These discussions focused on regionally relevant topics, encouraging active civic engagement. The traveling exhibition visited 20 towns and 22 schools across Estonia, reaching a wide audience. A total of 15 democracy training sessions and 11 debates were conducted, providing participants with valuable insights into democratic processes.
Through the project, the exhibition and its accompanying programs engaged nearly 2,000 participants, in addition to students and teachers from 22 Estonian schools, further promoting awareness and understanding of democracy and civic responsibility.
As a result of the project, visitors to the exhibition have gained a deeper understanding of Estonia as a functioning democratic state. They have reflected on the country’s 30-year success story and are sharing the stories they encountered at the exhibition within their communities.
Estonian citizens are now more aware of the essential skills required for the development of democracy, including active listening, verbal expression, managing disagreements, inclusion, compromise, empathy, forming opinions, activism, and civic engagement. Moreover, they are better equipped to apply these skills in their daily lives.
The project has also sparked greater interest in national affairs among visitors, making them more conscious and engaged members of society. In the long run, this heightened awareness is expected to increase active participation in civil society.
The wider community benefits from the project as well, as it now includes more informed and proactive members who take on leadership roles and encourage others to adopt a more active civic stance. Additionally, communities have gained greater access to information about the workings of a democratic state and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The experience gained through this traveling exhibition will serve as a foundation for future nationwide initiatives.