“The Story I Wanted to Tell” – A Collaboration That Amplified Children’s Voices

Exhibition & Book Launch – May 29, 2026, at Deichman Bjørvika Library

In the autumn of 2025, the The International Museum of Children’s Art began an inspiring collaboration with Søndre Nordstrand Borough, Deichman Holmlia, and Holmlia Kulturkafé. The project concluded in the spring of 2026 with a book launch and exhibition at Deichman Bjørvika on May 29—a celebration of children’s stories, creativity, and voices.

The project’s aim was to give children a genuine opportunity to express themselves through literature and art. Inspired by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the children were given a platform to share their own experiences, thoughts, dreams, and stories—on their own terms. Through creative writing workshops, art workshops, and illustration sessions led by professional artists and educators, participants explored both the written word and visual expression.

Children from seven primary schools in Søndre Nordstrand took part in the project. The result was The Story I Wanted to Tell, a book written by 30 children and illustrated by 30 children. Together, the stories and illustrations reflect a rich diversity of perspectives, everyday experiences, imagination, humour, serious themes, and identity—stories that otherwise might never have been told.

For the The International Museum of Children’s Art, the project formed an important part of its ongoing commitment to children’s participation and cultural engagement. When children are given the opportunity to create, tell their stories, and be truly heard, it strengthens their confidence, creativity, and sense of being valued. The project demonstrates how art and literature can serve as powerful tools for inclusion, representation, and democratic participation.

Workshops at The International Museum of Children’s Art

A key part of the project took place at the The International Museum of Children’s Art in November 2025. Here, the children participated in creative workshops where they developed illustrations and artistic interpretations of their stories under the guidance of artist Sara Tanderø. The museum became a space for exploration, collaboration, and creative expression, where the children’s ideas were at the heart of the process and professional artists supported them throughout.

Through these workshops, the children experienced how an initial idea can evolve into a finished work of art while also discovering the museum as a place for creativity, culture, and artistic exploration.

A Meaningful Finale at Deichman Bjørvika Library

On May 29, 2026, the project culminated in a book launch and exhibition at Deichman Bjørvika. The event brought together children, families, teachers, project partners, and members of the public for a warm and memorable celebration of the many months of collaborative work. Nearly 200 people attended the launch, where several of the young authors read their own stories aloud.

The exhibition showcased original illustrations from the book, offering visitors an insight into the creative process behind the project. Together with the live readings, it highlighted the importance of giving children the opportunity to tell their own stories—in their own words and through their own images.

A Project with Lasting Impact

The Story I Wanted to Tell is more than just a book. It is an example of how collaboration between cultural institutions, libraries, local communities, and municipal partners can create meaningful spaces where children experience that their voices, experiences, and perspectives matter.

The International Museum of Children’s Art is proud to have been part of this collaboration alongside Søndre Nordstrand Borough, Deichman Holmlia, and Holmlia Kulturkafé. The project demonstrates how art and literature can foster community, representation, and a sense of achievement—and reminds us that children are not only the voices of tomorrow, but important voices in society today.

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to everyone who made this project possible:

• Yassin El Barkani – Initiator and Project Manager
• Oslo Municipality, Søndre Nordstrand Borough
• Deichman Holmlia
• Holmlia Kulturkafé
• Sara Tanderø – Artist, Kunstspirene
• Sipel Rachid, The International Museum of Children’s Art 
• Spir Oslo
• Supported by Sparebankstiftelsen DNB