Workshop area: creativity, traditions and inspiration

During the festival “Vyshyvanka unites — Rahvustikand ühendab” smART fest 2026 at Kultuurikatel, one of the brightest and most atmospheric areas was the workshop zone.

Throughout the day, hundreds of children and adults joined creative activities, discovered Ukrainian and Estonian traditions, learned new techniques and made their own items as souvenirs of the festival.

Our heartfelt thanks to all the craftspeople who shared their knowledge, inspiration and love of creativity. Special thanks to the area coordinators for the flawless organisation and wonderful atmosphere.

The programme featured:

• Alla Ovsiienko – polymer clay keychains
• Silvia Aarma – Estonian archaic embroidery with Kihnu-Mulgi motifs
• Raudrohi – a club of Estonian traditional embroidery makers
• Olena Dubovyk – making angel motanka dolls for Ukrainian defenders
• Inna Yurchenko – making a spiritual motanka doll
• Alla Inno-Yakymenko – wood decoupage and decorative birds
• Yuliia Shevchenko – braiding a traditional Ukrainian plait with ribbons
• Olena Tsyhanok – creative items from foamiran
• Lidiia Medvedieva – plasticine painting and landscapes
• Tetiana Kharuzheva – modern macramé accessories
• Yelyzaveta Nevodnicha – handmade earrings
• Maryna Davydova – ethnic hair accessories in the Modern Ukraine style

The workshop zone was organised in cooperation with the Estonian Red Cross as part of an ESF+ project supporting the integration of Ukrainians in Estonia.

The project is implemented by drUzi.ee, Ukraina Meedia Druzi and the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia with the support of the City of Tallinn, the Integration Foundation and the Ministry of Culture.

Thank you to all participants for your curiosity, energy and great atmosphere. It is moments like these that create the true spirit of the festival!