In Estonia, the year of 2017 is proclaidmed the Year of Children’s and Youth Culture when children and young people are encouraged to participate in the culture and also create experiences themselves. The slogan of the thematic year is “Me too!” and the programme is organised by the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre.
The slogan “Me too!” and the keywords independence and collaboration also address adults, inviting them to contemplate and appreciate children and young people as both creators and audience.
Minister of Culture Indrek Saar said that theYear of Children’s and Youth Culture is both an excellent opportunity and, at the same time, a challenge to focus specifically on children and young people in our cultural life. “It is very important to speak about values, diversity, consistency, and responsibility with children and young people, who are our coming-of-age creators and audience. And not only talk about these topics – it is also vital to create and act together,” Saar emphasised.
The project manager of the thematic year Marju Kask added that the upcoming year combines different cultural fields and draws together various activities. “A very exiting year lies ahead for both children and adults. Major events, such as the Youth Song and Dance Celebration “I will stay”, the experience tour “Children’s Republic” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, and also smaller communal activities are planned to be carried out. We invite all to participate in the theme year, as well as propose and carry out great ideas,” Kask said.
Today, or 1 December, is the launching date for the idea competition “50 Ideas!” with its focus being on the theme year events. This aims to provide the children and young people with an option to make their cultural life even more exciting through diverse initiatives and events. The requirements for the idea competition are available on the website of the thematic year.
The Ministry of Culture has been organising thematic years since 2000.
More information is also available on the website of the Children’s and Youth Culture Year at www.minaka.ee. More comprehensive content and programme of the thematic year will be published on the website on 1 January 2017.
More information
Marju Kask
Project Manager of Children’s and Youth Culture Year 2017
Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
+372 522 8659
[email protected]
www.minaka.ee