Nine students from Tallinn German Gymnasium participated in an Erasmus+ mobility in Lisbon, Portugal from 12-18 October.

For the sixth time, the project "Art Bridge between Tallinn and Lisbon" took place, this time focusing on textile art. The main aim of the project was to provide students with a hands-on experience in textile arts, encouraging creativity, teamwork and sustainability.

The first meeting took place online at the end of September, where the students got to know each other and discussed the theme of the project. Together they decided to focus on creating clothing and accessories made from recycled materials and to organise a fashion show.

The project kicked off in Lisbon on Saturday 12 October with a visit to the famous Feira da Ladra flea market. There, the students were able to buy a variety of textiles and second-hand clothes, which they later gave new life to in their creative projects. In the afternoon of the same day, students joined the Oktoberfest celebrations of the German School in Lisbon, a major community event of the school.

On Monday, 14 October, they discussed ideas and formed international groups. The students presented their initial ideas and sketched out designs for planned outfits or accessories. The activities then continued in workshops where practical skills such as sewing, embroidery and quilting were acquired. The workshops were led by Ariane Arand, a handicraft teacher at the German School in Lisbon, who at other times also shares her knowledge in courses for adults.

On Tuesday, 15 October, we headed across the river to the Casa da Cerca art centre for a cyanotype workshop led by artist Mario Campos. Despite the rainy weather, unique cyanotype works on textiles were created and later used in the exhibition.

Wednesday and Thursday were spent finalising projects and gathering the necessary materials. On Wednesday, we celebrated the #Erasmus+ Days together, which coincided perfectly with our project schedule. By Thursday, the students had finished their costumes and accessories, which were photographed for the photo exhibition. In addition, the students worked on preparing the exhibition, which featured both a display of ideas and photos of the work they had done during the project week.

On the evening of Thursday 17 October, the project culminated in a festive culmination at the Goethe Institute in Lisbon - a photo exhibition and fashion show. The students set up the exhibition booths, sound and lighting equipment and rehearsed the fashion show programme. The evening opened with a ceremony followed by a fashion show where the students presented their creations and talked about their genesis. The event was attended by around 80 guests, including the Director of the Goethe Institute, Dr Jana Binder, the Estonian Ambassador to Portugal, Ms Moonika Kase, and the Director of the German School in Lisbon, Teresa Lenze. The audience praised the students' creativity, speed and ability to use recycled materials to bring the two cultures together.

On Friday 18 October we spent a day surrounded by culture and nature, visiting Sintra and Ericeira. The day was rounded off with a joint dance evening at the German School in Lisbon.

During the almost week-long collaborative project, we got to know Portuguese culture and life, practised English and German, created a joint exhibition and fashion show, broadened our horizons and gained skills and experience by learning new techniques.

The project will continue in Tallinn already in February 2025.

Many thanks to the partners:

The Goethe Institute in Lisbon, which hosted the culmination of the project on 17 October in their garden - the students' fashion show and exhibition opening. Special thanks to Dr. Jana Binder, Director of the Institute.

Lisbon German School and art teachers Anna Malessa and Anna Costa, who helped to put together the programme. A big thank you also goes to craft teacher Ariane Arandt, who provided technical support and workshops. Many thanks to Teresa Lentze, Director of the Lisbon German School.

Casa da Cerca and artist Mario Campos, who conducted a cyanotype workshop for the students.

The Estonian Ambassador in Lisbon, Moonika Kase, who found the opportunity to come to the opening of the exhibition and the fashion show to support and cheer on the young people.

Nine 11th grade students from TSG participated in the project with Erasmus+ co-funding with art teachers Erik Joasaare and Lisette Lepik.