Walls That Speak – Youth Art for Democracy
Mladinski center Žalec, javni zavod za mladinsko kulturo, izobraževanje, informiranje in rekreacijo
Slovenia
in rural Slovenia, young people often lack visible platforms to express their civic views, leading
to democratic disengagement and a widening youth voice gap. With upcoming parliamentary
and local elections, this project activates youth participation through public art. By launching
three open calls on democracy and social challenges, we transform urban and indoor spaces into
democratic forums, empowering rural youth to express, reflect and engage.
Walls That Speak – Youth Art for Democracy empowers rural young people to reflect on
democracy, participation and social challenges through creative expression. MC Žalec will launch
three open calls inviting youth (15–30) to submit works (photography, mixed media, photo +
100-word manifesto).
Selected works will be exhibited in three formats: our established outdoor gallery “Promenart”
in the city centre, a visible indoor gallery space in the youth centre, and an unconventional
“toilet gallery” – a reflective micro-space encouraging deeper contemplation.
Each exhibition will include a public opening and moderated dialogue. Works will also be
presented in a bilingual digital gallery with QR codes, augmented reality elements and audio
reflections.
Implemented during an election year, the project addresses rural democratic disengagement by
creating accessible, youth-led cultural spaces that stimulate dialogue and active citizenship.