Partner – Vilnius City Museum
Location – Vilnius
Since 2024
In 2025, the Vilnius City Museum and NGO “Padėk pritapti” unveiled “Amare Džiipena. Stories of Vilnius’ Roma” – a groundbreaking exhibition co–created with Roma youth 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 exhibition development process involving over 20 creative and planning workshops, Roma youth strengthened their skills in organising information, coordinating projects, documenting memories, and critically engaging with public discourse. They actively contributed to the exhibition’s visual layout and the collection of archival materials. Participants also recorded audio guides in Lithuanian Romani and the Kotliari dialects, marking the first time Roma languages and dialects were presented in an exhibition at a Lithuanian museum. The exhibition was running for six months and attracted thousands of visitors. Guided tours led by Roma youth created spaces for authentic dialogue, fostering empathy and deeper public understanding.
The project extended beyond the presentation of community histories by building bridges between generations, cultures, and institutions. It demonstrated that, when provided with trust and the right tools, Roma youth can reclaim their cultural heritage and take on leadership roles in civic dialogue. “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:
More than 150 people participated directly in project activities of setting up an exhibition, including 35 Roma youth
The exhibition was visited by nearly 7 000 visitors
Almost 50 guided tours were organised
Over 20 educational activities and workshops were delivered, including creative and artistic workshops, teacher training sessions on Roma history, culture, and inclusive education, public discussions, and family day activities
Educational activities engaged more than 1 400 museum visitors