Changing the Mark: Roma History, Art and Education Across Generations

What do we carry with us from the past? And can we change how we view it? The project Changing the Mark: Roma History, Art and Education Across Generations connects Roma history, contemporary art, and education. It focuses on stories worth preserving, as well as questions that arise from the past and remain relevant today—questions of identity, prejudice, extremism, and the possibility of change.

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What exactly are our goals?

We want to open up topics of Roma history through art, personal stories, and education. The project will connect the stories of past generations with contemporary experiences, creating a space to reflect on how our past influences the present and what we can do for the future.

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Why is this important?

Roma history remains a part of our collective memory that is often not discussed enough. This is especially true of the Roma Holocaust, whose stories and testimonies are vital to preserve and pass on to future generations. At the same time, we still encounter prejudice, stereotypes, and manifestations of extremism today. We believe that connecting history and art can help open up difficult topics and lead to dialogue.

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What can you look forward to?

The main output of the project will be a documentary film about a Roma tattoo artist and former neo-Nazi who is having his extremist tattoos covered up while reflecting on his past. The film will follow his personal journey and offer space for questions related to extremism as well as the hope for change. The film's premiere is planned for 2027.

The second output will be a Czech-Romani book of stories from survivors of the Roma Holocaust. The book will present personal testimonies and the experiences of people whose lives were affected by Nazi persecution. 

The film and book will be followed by a program for the public and schools. We will hold at least 10 readings and discussions, including at the memorials in Lety u Písku and Hodonín u Kunštátu, as well as in schools and at cultural events.

The project will also include at least 8 educational programs for schools, offering pupils and students the opportunity to work with themes of Roma history and shared memory. 

To ensure the project's outputs can be used in the long term, we will also create teaching methodologies for the film and the book. These will provide concrete tools for addressing these topics in schools and other educational activities.

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Our goals at a glance

• to commemorate the history of the Roma Holocaust and preserve the stories of its survivors
• to bring Roma history and experience closer through personal stories
• address the topics of extremism, prejudice, and the possibility of change
• use film and literature as tools for education and dialogue
• bring the topic of Romani history and contemporary life into schools and public spaces
• create educational materials that can be used even after the project ends

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Key project outcomes 

• a documentary film about a Romani tattoo artist and a former neo-Nazi
• a Czech-Romani book of stories from survivors of the Romani Holocaust
• at least 10 public readings and discussions
• at least 8 educational programs for schools
• methodology for the documentary film and the Czech-Romani book

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The project is supported by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) .

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