Narva, a city in northeastern Estonia with a predominantly Russian-speaking population, has a unique culture and distinct traditions. However, the community has faced marginalization due to Estonian language policies and an economic situation that has many residents struggling. Despite these challenges, the community remains resilient, contributing to the Estonian’s cultural fabric. Efforts to promote understanding and dialogue between the two communities are ongoing. Overall, promoting inclusivity and harmony is crucial for Narva’s future.
Narva mediaLAB is a community project organised by femLENS with the support of the German Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia. It aim is to address media literacy and media production gaps in Narva, Ida-Virumaa region of Estonia. The mediaLAB provides access to different generations with knowledge on visual literacy, technology for media production, analysis, community media, and shared learning through workshops, seminars, discussions, research projects, exhibitions, and hands-on projects. The goal is to diversify the media and the education landscape in Narva, and to strengthen civil society engagement with contemporary issues.
The project targets various groups, including seniors, youth, women, and other members of the community interested in media production and literacy. The mediaLAB aims to empower these groups with skills, knowledge, and tools to create their own media, exhibitions, and film viewings, as well as discussions around media, group work, and more.
The main activities of the Narva mediaLAB project include movie screenings and discussions, photo exhibitions, zine making workshops, media analysis seminars, meetings with local journalists, work with archival photos, and a photo project called “Humans of Narva.” The mediaLAB also provides training on documentary photography and basic technology skills.
The ultimate goal of the Narva mediaLAB project is to create community media, promote understanding of modern technologies, and identify relevant topics for discussion and exploration. The mediaLAB brings together different stakeholders from civil society, media, local administration and other NGOs working in Narva, as well as Estonia.
The outcomes of the Narva mediaLAB project include the publication of the Factura zine, which is a small magazine created by local authors, illustrators, and photographers. The zine covers topics relevant to the Narva town and is available on the femLENS website. Other successful outcomes include exhibitions of both local and international photographers, expanding opportunities for where creative work can be shown locally, and the creation of a space where local creatives can come and find a project to work on.
Overall, the Narva mediaLAB project is an important initiative that empowers members of the Ida-Virumaa community with media production and literacy skills, promoting civil society engagement with contemporary issues, and supporting local culture and heritage.
Our plans are to expand the mediaLAB to cover two more towns in Ida-Virumaa, to cover Narva, Sillamae, Kohtla-Jarve.
