The exhibition is based on the artistic book Nabo Artbook, which features works by eight illustrators from all Nordic countries. These artworks were inspired by the real-life experiences of young people shared during an international study commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Through visuals, stories, and emotions, the exhibition opens a door into the dreams, expectations, and concerns of youth, while encouraging reflection: How much power do we have to shape our own lives? What does it mean to be heard? How can we participate and contribute to change?
This initiative is part of a four-year project led by the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society. The project’s ambitious goal is to strengthen social inclusion among young people and encourage their active participation in democratic life. The exhibition’s producer, Gustav Lejelind of Producentbyrån, together with his creative team, aims to ensure that young people’s voices don’t remain confined to survey charts or reports—but are expressed in ways that are vibrant, creative, and impactful.
Why “Nabo”?
The title Visit Nabo Art Book carries deep symbolism—nabo an Old Norse, Danish, and Norwegian word means neighbor. In this project, the term becomes a metaphor for empathy, listening, and connection. To visit a neighbor means to step into someone else’s world, to forge a bond, to recognize the value of their experience.
The exhibition’s producer, Gustav Lejelind and Brigita Urmanaitė at the opening event in Kaunas
“This exhibition isn’t just about the Nordic countries,” says Brigita Urmanaitė, Advisor for Culture and Education at the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania. “It doesn’t matter whether you live in Reykjavík, Stockholm, Vilnius, or Kupiškis – young people everywhere face the same questions: how to find their place, how to express themselves, how to be heard. Visit Nabo Art Book is an invitation to pause, to listen, to make a connection and become the kind of neighbor who sees, hears, and cares.”
The journey begins in Kaunas
In Lithuania, the exhibition Visit Nabo Art Book began its journey in Kaunas, where it was displayed in April 2025 at the Šilainiai branch of the Kaunas Vincas Kudirka Public Library. It drew significant public interest – around 4,000 visitors attended within a month – clearly showing that youth-related topics are both interesting and relevant to the local community.
The opening event featured a live performance by youth from the organization Chillin Street, blending improvisation, dance, and music into an expressive and engaging experience.
Library staff emphasized that many parents also visited the exhibition. The works on display often sparked open conversations and reflections about social pressure, inclusion, and the lived experiences of young people in today’s society.
A visit to Lithuania’s Youth Capital
In May 2025, the exhibition continued its tour and reached Kretinga – a town recently named the Lithuanian Youth Capital of the year. It was hosted by the Motiejus Valančius Public Library.
The exhibition officially opened on May 15 with a discussion titled Important Voices: Youth Reflections from Lithuania and the Nordic Countries. The event brought together youth representatives from the Nordic and Baltic regions, local artists, educators, and municipal officials. Once again, it became clear that the exhibition serves as a space for conversations about inclusion, identity, and the real experiences of young people in the region.
Library staff noted that the exhibition attracted a remarkably diverse audience. Children explored the exhibits with curiosity, teenagers engaged deeply with the content together, and adults took time to understand how young people feel and live today. According to staff, the exhibition naturally created an open, sensitive space that encouraged visitors to slow down, listen, and view youth voices from a fresh perspective.
The exhibition is currently on display at the Kupiškis Cultural Center and will be open to visitors until August 17. We warmly invite you to come, explore the stories, and take a moment to reflect – because every voice matters.
