Young European Heritage Makers is a competition for the young people of Europe. It is an opportunity for them to explore their surroundings, learn about their local tangible and intangible cultural heritage and share a story of Europe.

What are the objectives of the Young European Heritage Makers competition?

1. To collect experiences and stories of how children and young people understand the European dimension of their local heritage. This can include tangible heritage such as monuments and buildings, features of the natural landscape, or intangible heritage shared by their community, such as dancing, singing or local cultural traditions. Creative interpretations are very much encouraged.
2. To identify and highlight the work of young people interested in heritage.
3. To bring future #HeritageMakers into the spotlight and connect them with their peers from other parts of Europe.

Who can take part?

Any group of young people or young individuals who

• live in one of the participating countries
• are under 18 years of age at the time of submission
• are interested in observing, exploring and participating in the environment and heritage that surrounds them

Entries are open to two age categories:

• age 6-11
• age 11-17

Only entries by groups are eligible to be selected for the prize. Individuals can submit their work, and it will be shared on the European Heritage Days website, but the initiative ultimately intends to encourage the development of shared heritage communities.

How to participate?

Step 1: Organise an activity with a group of young people

The outcome of the activity should answer the question “What is your European heritage?”.

Activities could include for instance

• community events
• workshops or discussion groups for young people to exchange knowledge and ideas
• quests, treasure hunts or visits to sites of importance to local heritage

Step 2: Present the outcome of your activity

This can be done through either

• a video of up to 5 minutes
• a photo, painting, drawing, or other visual medium, accompanied by a description no longer than 800 words

Step 3: Upload your group’s work

Upload your group’s work to the dedicated page (form active from 1 September) with details about the participants. Once the national coordinator approves your work, it will be published on the European Heritage Days website.

Timeline

• 1 September 2023 - 28 February 2024: Organising activities and uploading entries
• 15 March 2024: Evaluation at national level, selection of two national winners (one per age category)
• April 2024: Evaluation at European level
• May 2024: Announcement of the winners, online ceremony, exhibition in Strasbourg

Background

This competition is part of the European Heritage Days. With up to 70 000 events organised each year in the European States signatory to the European Cultural Convention and an estimated 30 million visitors, this joint action of the Council of Europe and of the European Commission is a unique example of a grass-roots initiative organised and shared by millions of people living in Europe.

Check out the European Heritage Days website for more information about the competition, including how to register, your country’s participation status, the role of mentors in the competition.