Portraits of Famous Citizens of Tartu Created from Recycled Materials

Who are these legendary citizens of Tartu whose creative activities, scientific work, or social engagement have turned the city into the special place it is? Environmentally friendly artworks, created collaboratively by the youth of Tartu, pay homage to these people in an open-air gallery located on the edge of Tartu Central Park.

Can art be sustainable? The school students of Tartu show that it can! As a result of the collaborative efforts of 180 young people, portraits made entirely from recycled materials adorn the edge of Tartu Central Park.

These lifelike artworks reflect the unique personality of each specific group of artists. Materials that one would not typically associate with art – pens and CDs, textile and wood waste – have been brought together on weather-resistant canvases to form a captivating whole, inspiring viewers to wonder about Tartu’s rich cultural life as well as about more sustainable living practices.

The artworks beautified the urban landscape from April 3rd to June 2nd 2024.

The project promotes collaboration and environmentally friendly thinking of the youth, while also sparking interest in their hometown and the notable people associated with it.