Are you passionate about history, human rights, and creative expression? Do you want to explore how underground literature challenged censorship — and how similar issues still affect our world today? The European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS) is excited to announce that recruitment is now open for the 2025 edition of 'Freedom of Speech Beyond Borders', an interdisciplinary educational project exploring the past and present of censorship and freedom of expression.

What is the project about?

‘Freedom of Speech Beyond Borders’ aims to introduce young people to the legacy of resistance against censorship during the Cold War, while encouraging critical reflection on contemporary challenges to free speech and access to reliable information.

Participants will take part in:

  • Online seminars providing historical and contextual background
    25–26 August 2025
  • Nine-day study visits to archives and memory sites in Europe
    1–10 September 2025

Two parallel study visits will take place in:

  • Bremen, Germany – at the Research Centre for East European Studies (University of Bremen)
  • Prague, Czech Republic – at the Libri Prohibiti Library and the Václav Havel Library

Both groups will later gather in Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris, at the House of the Literary Institute – a landmark of Polish exile publishing.


What will you do?

Through archival research, interviews with former dissidents, and hands-on creative workshops, participants will:

  • Discover the history of samizdat and tamizdat — underground literature and art created under censorship;
  • Learn to work with archival sources and conduct interviews;
  • Engage in zine-making and creative journaling workshops led by experienced artist mentors;
  • Collaborate to create a collective DIY publication inspired by Cold War-era underground press.

Why join?

By taking part in Freedom of Speech Beyond Borders, you will:

  • Gain valuable experience in historical research and source analysis;
  • Develop practical media literacy and storytelling skills;
  • Learn creative methods of expression such as collage, photography, and writing;
  • Connect with a diverse group of young people from across Europe;
  • Contribute to a unique artistic publication reflecting your findings and perspectives.


Who can apply?

We welcome applications from:

  • Students and young professionals aged 18–26 (as of 6 May 2025);
  • Individuals with a background or interest in humanities, arts, social sciences, journalism, creative writing, photography, or human rights activism;
  • Applicants with at least B2-level English (knowledge of Polish, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian or German is a plus, but not required);
  • Experience in the visual arts or writing is an advantage, but not mandatory.

The programme is free of charge. Travel from Bremen/Prague to Maisons-Laffitte, accommodation, meals and workshops are covered by the organisers. Participants may also apply for partial reimbursement of travel costs back home.

A maximum of 20 participants will be selected – 10 per study visit.

Application Deadline: 6 May 2025

Click here to apply: Appilcation Form
Read the Rules of Participation.