Throughout centuries the survival of Roma culture in Europe was conveyed via artistic means that became the founding of Roma identities and narratives for both the community itself as well as for non-Roma. Today however many choose to stay silent about their Roma identities due to discrimination.

In this project, Roma youth from Finland, Estonia and Lithuania will reminisce their cultural heritage, reflect it through the present youth culture and update some of clichés associated with the Roma culture. Along with the project, Roma youth (aged 18-29 years) will collect oral histories from their elders. They will participate in two art camps where they deal with different forms of art that arise from their histories, and create art shaping today’s Roma culture. They will produce a performance – whether the outcome will be a live performance, art show, concert, or video, is up to youth themselves, but nevertheless it will be presented for the Roma and non-Roma audiencies.

The outcomes of the project will be two launching parties in Finland and Lithuania, respectively, as well as the main event in Estonia. As a result of the project, broader and updated knowledge on the Roma culture is introduced to Roma and non-Roma audiences through artistic means. Simultaneously, the Roma youth’s knowledge on their Roma histories and identities is strengthened and their creative and social skills improved.

The European Union programme Erasmus+  funds youth Partnership Project Amari kultura, which is implemented by the Finnish Roma Association (Finland), the Euroopa Romade Foorum Eestis MTÜ (Estonia) and the Public Institution Roma Community Centre (Lithuania).