Painting Europe’s History: A Participatory Mural for a Better Future

How can 75 years of European history be passed on to a new generation of citizens? How can historical events, values, and symbols be transformed into a meaningful collective work of art?

As part of the EUxFUTURE project, 33 youths from Lycée Marseilleveyre in Marseille, France, took up this challenge by designing and creating a mural illustrating the key stages of European integration and the values that unite European Union citizens today.

Reflecting on Europe Before Representing It

The project began on 4 March 2026 with an awareness-raising session led by MARÉNA Services & Formation for youths enrolled in the Visual Arts programme at Lycée Marseilleveyre.

The aim of this first meeting was to introduce the EUxFUTURE project and present the major milestones of European integration. The young explored the history of the European Union through key events such as the Schuman Declaration, successive enlargements of the Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the introduction of the euro, the European treaties, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Beyond historical facts, discussions focused on the values that form the foundation of the European project: human dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, justice, and citizens’ rights, as well as the will to maintain permanent peace.

This discovery phase was essential. Before creating an artistic work, the artists were encouraged to reflect collectively on how European history continues to influence their daily lives and their future.

A Truly Participatory Creation

Following this initial stage, the 33 artists embarked on historical and visual research to imagine the future mural.

Working in groups, they analysed the common guidelines developed by the European project partners and proposed their own artistic interpretations of European history. Each group designed an original concept highlighting the events, symbols, and values they considered most representative of European integration.

At the end of this creative phase, two projects were selected by the participants themselves and presented to the management team of the project. The final design was then chosen and further developed collectively.

This participatory process enabled young people to be fully involved in every stage of the project: reflection, debate, artistic choices, decision-making, and implementation. It also promoted dialogue, active listening, and cooperation — values that lie at the heart of the European project.

A Work of Art Telling 75 Years of European Integration

Created over several weeks, the mural now stands in a public place as a visual narrative of the European history.

The artwork begins with a representation of the destruction and divisions that marked Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War. Gradually, the composition evolves into a brighter and more colourful vision symbolising reconstruction, cooperation, and peace.

At the centre of the mural, a train runs across the entire composition. It represents the journey travelled by European peoples over the past decades, as well as mobility, exchange, and the growing connections between European citizens.

Around this central element appear numerous symbols of European integration: the European flag, fundamental rights, the motto “United in Diversity”, freedom of movement, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and a vision of a Europe focused on innovation, ecological transition, and the future.

Through their choice of colours, shapes, and symbols, the artists sought to demonstrate that European history is not merely a succession of political events, but also a human story built on cooperation, peace, and solidarity.

Cultural Mediation in the Service of Citizenship

The project concluded on 3 June 2026 with the official inauguration of the mural at Lycée Marseilleveyre.

On this occasion, the students presented their work to the school community, teachers, fellow students, the public and project partners. They explained the artistic choices they had made, the historical references represented in the mural, and the messages they wished to convey through their artwork.

This cultural mediation phase was an essential part of the project. It provided participants with an opportunity to share their knowledge, encourage dialogue about European history, and raise awareness among a wider audience of the values of the European Union.

What’s Next?

The mural at Lycée Marseilleveyre represents one of the flagship achievements of the EUxFUTURE project in France. It demonstrates how art can become a powerful tool for memory, dialogue, and education for European citizenship.

By transforming 75 years of shared European history into a collective artwork accessible to all, the young participants have contributed to keeping European values alive and to passing on a positive vision of a future built together.

This activity is part of the EUxFUTURE project, co-funded by the European Union through the CERV Programme.