Partner – Vilnius City Museum
Location – Vilnius
Since 2024
In early 2025, the Vilnius City Museum and NGO “Padėk pritapti” unveiled “Amare Džiipena. Stories of Vilnius’ Roma” – a groundbreaking exhibition co–created with Roma youth. The aim of the project was to highlight the underrepresented histories of Roma communities in Vilnius, particularly those from the former Kirtimai settlement. The project empowered 29 young Roma participants to take the lead in shaping and telling their community’s stories through collaborative workshops, field research, storytelling sessions, and hands–on curatorial work.
Through a year–long process involving over 20 creative and planning workshops, participants developed the skills to document memories and critically examine public narratives. The youth took part in designing the visual layout of the exhibition, selecting archival materials, and even recording audio guides in both Lithuanian Roma and Kotliarskij dialects. This marked the first time Roma languages were featured in a Lithuanian museum exhibition. For many young Roma people, it was the first time engaging so closely with a cultural institution.
The exhibition took place from January until June 2025 and drew almost 7000 visitors. It included tours guided by the Roma youth themselves, creating space for authentic exchange and increasing public empathy and awareness. The project had a strong social impact by promoting anti–discrimination, inclusion, and self–expression, creating safe spaces for Roma youth to share their stories and build self–confidence, fostering mutual understanding between Roma and non–Roma participants, and enhancing teachers' competence and sensitivity in multicultural settings.
Beyond showcasing community stories, the project built bridges–between generations, cultures, and institutions. It demonstrated that Roma youth, when given the platform and tools, are not only able to reclaim their heritage but also lead important civic conversations. “Amare Džiipena. Stories of Vilnius’ Roma” became a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and a new chapter of inclusion in Lithuanian public life.
During the project:
The exhibition “Amare Džiipena. Stories of Vilnius’ Roma” was visited by almost 7000 people.
A total of 47 guided tours took place, 19 of which were co-led with Roma youth
Over 20 different exhibition workshops were organised: creative/artistic workshops (video, dance, music, photography, creative writing), training sessions for teachers on Roma history, culture, and inclusive education
In total, 8 dedicated events (lectures/discussions and family activities) gathered over 250 participants, while additional 600 people visited the exhibition during “Culture Night” and “Museum Night” events