SB25 TD From Cult to Culture: Souvenirs of influence

Designing a Symbolic Souvenir – Exploring National Identity through Creative Expression

This workshop invited students to engage critically and creatively with the concept of national identity by designing an original symbolic souvenir that would represent their country on the international stage.

The activity began with a guided discussion on the role of diplomatic gifts in international relations, using the example of gifts received by Josip Broz Tito from various countries as a starting point. Students explored how such objects are often crafted to reflect the values, culture, and history of the nation offering them, and how they serve as meaningful expressions of identity in diplomatic contexts.

Following this discussion, students were placed in the role of national representatives attending an international event. Their task was to conceptualize and design a souvenir that symbolically communicated an aspect of their country’s heritage, traditions, or cultural values.

The workshop was divided into several phases:

• Brainstorming: Students identified key cultural symbols, materials, colors, and motifs that they associated with their national identity.

• Design phase: Using drawing, collage, or basic modeling techniques, students sketched or created a prototype of their souvenir.

• Reflection and articulation: Each student wrote a brief explanatory text describing their design, its symbolic elements, and the message it aimed to convey.

• (Optional) Presentation: Students were invited to share their designs and explanations with the class, fostering dialogue about the diverse ways national identity can be interpreted and expressed.

This creative exercise not only encouraged artistic expression and cultural reflection, but also helped students develop presentation, design thinking, and intercultural communication skills. It served as a platform for deepening students' understanding of their own national heritage while cultivating respect for diverse perspectives.