Photo: Izabella Eck

Members of the Tartu 2024 team Angela Ader, Kaidi-Lisa Kivisalu and Jaan Ulst, introduced the aim, structure and application process of the programme. Eleven students, between the ages of 15 and 18, came to the event from all over Southern Estonia. Brief interviews with the participants gave us an insight into their interests, expectations and previous experiences with organising events.

For most, the main reason for coming was the wish to learn more about Tartu 2024 Extended programme or the European Capital of Culture in general. The majority had already organised some school activities for their classmates, such as camping trips or singing contests, but want to learn and improve their skills even more.

When asked what type of events they would like to see in Tartu or Southern Estonia, the teens stressed the importance of events addressing mental health issues. Due to the extraordinary last few years, dealing with mental health is more critical than ever and all initiatives are seen as helpful and innovative. Furthermore, it is important to them that events take place in not only the city of Tartu but also all of Southern Estonia.

Tartu 2024 Extended is a development programme for pupils aged 14-19 in Tartu and Southern Estonia. In the five-session programme, participants learn how to organise cultural events. The course shares knowledge on how to prepare cultural projects, put together a team, plan and implement an event. The inaugural class of Tartu 2024 Extended is looking for 20 active young people from Tartu and Southern Estonia who want to be the future of Estonian culture. The youth programme starts in March and ends in June, with the youth carrying out their own events.