The art programme "Siberian Childhood. 70 Years Since the March Deportation" in 16 railway stations across Estonia 25.03—14.06.2019 See the interactive map of the project at https://siberilapsed.ee
With the art programme "Siberian Childhood" we researched the March deportation and its effect on the deportees as well as Estonian society in general. We organised exhibitions, film screenings and workshops across Estonia in all 16 railway stations from which people were deported in March 1949. Across the duration of the programme (from the anniversary of the March deportation until that of the June deportation) we stressed the continuation of the effects of the deportation. It is not just one date that is traditionally commemorated, but an entire period in people's lives during which they were forced to constantly readjust and find stability amid disruptions.
The exhibition spaces and technical requirements for each of the railway stations were different. We worked in a site-specific fashion, adjusting to our surroundings and addressing various aspects of deportation at each of the locations. We looked into the coping mechanisms of those deported to Siberia and how they adjusted to life in Estonia after liberation.
In addition to that which is officially commemorated, we directed attention to the feminine side of the March deportation – of the 20 000 deportees, 10 000 were women and 6000 children. For the 'Siberian children' deportation took place at the beginning of their life, not the end. Their lives have not only been affected by being sent to Siberia, but also by returning and having to adjust to life in Estonia. Therefore, we focused on how they had coped with the trauma of deportation and disruption as individuals and from that, what form the healing process could take on a societal level. We also invited viewers to consider Siberia as an important memory-space that has a strong connection to Estonia as a whole.
The exhibitions and installations included in the art programme were presented at railway station museums (Kehra, Jõgeva, Haapsalu), in the departure lounges of working railway stations (Tartu, Elva), on the facades of railway stations closed to the public (Tapa, Jõhvi, Võru, Veriora), railway platforms (Ülemiste, Paldiski) and also made their way into the businesses that use the premises of railway stations (Keila, Rakvere). As part of our public programme, we also organised events at various stations (Risti, Puka, Keeni), that were otherwise closed to the public.