Försvarsmakten
Background
During the Cold War, Sweden’s preparedness was at its highest, but as the threat diminished, public awareness of war and readiness also decreased. In today’s society, where war can become a reality, it is crucial to raise awareness again.
What would you do if war comes? It is not always easy to know how you can help in a serious situation. Who we are in times of peace, is who we will be in times of war.
Challenge
A Novus survey from 2022 showed that despite a majority (92%) believing that Sweden should defend itself in the event of a military attack, and 89% being willing to risk their lives for this, 63% feel unprepared for what a war actually entails. This statistic, coming from the CIVKRIS project funded by MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency), underscores the need for
increased understanding and preparedness.
Solution
An exhibition was created at the request of the Swedish Armed Forces, the National Swedish Museums of Military History, and the Security and Defence Companies Association, with the aim of raising awareness about preparedness, strengthening the will to defend, and increasing knowledge about Sweden’s defence history and the values we strive to protect, especially among young adults where knowledge is particularly low.
The target audience of the exhibition was young adults, a group of people that requires a unique experience to become engaged. By simulating a grenade attack in a familiar environment such as a student room, we created a direct connection to the impact of war on these individuals’ everyday lives.
The exhibition consisted of two parts: an experiential section in a container that depicted a student room during a grenade attack, and an interactive section that covered Sweden’s defence history. This combination of realism and interactivity allowed visitors to not only see but also feel the consequences of war. Every element, from the furnishings in the student room to the explosion and the use of remnants in the container, was carefully designed to maximise the emotional impact.
Result
The exhibition effectively reached and engaged young adults through a combination of physical experience, personal interaction with school informants, and extensive digital communication. Its success was measured by extensive media coverage and thousands of visits, with many leaving with new insights into preparedness and defence. The interest from the media has been significant. The exhibition received coverage in several major news media, including SVT and Sveriges Radio, which helped to spread the message and increase awareness of our project.
