During the Cold War, Sweden's preparedness was at its highest, but as the threat decreased, so did public awareness of war and preparedness. In today's society, where war can become a reality, it is crucial to once again increase awareness.
What would you do if war came? It is not always easy to know how to help in a serious situation. Who we are in peacetime is who we will be in wartime.
A Novus survey from 2022 showed that although a majority (92%) believe that Sweden should defend itself in the event of a military attack, and 89% are willing to risk their lives to do so, 63% feel unprepared for what a war actually means.
These statistics, which come from the CIVKRIS project funded by MSB (the Swedish Agency for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness), underline the need for increased understanding and preparedness.
An exhibition was created at the request of the Armed Forces, the State Military History Museums and the Association of Security and Defense Companies, with the aim of increasing awareness of preparedness, strengthening the will to defend and increasing knowledge about Sweden's defense history and the values we strive to protect, especially among young adults where knowledge is particularly low.
The exhibition's target audience was young adults, a group of people who need a unique experience to engage. By simulating a grenade attack in a familiar environment, such as a dorm room, we created a direct connection to the impact of war on these individuals' everyday lives.
The exhibition consisted of two parts: an experiential part in a container depicting a student room during a grenade attack, and an interactive part that dealt with Sweden's defense history. This combination of realism and interactivity allowed visitors to not only see but also feel the consequences of the war. Every element, from the furniture in the student room to the explosion and the use of remnants in the container, was carefully designed to maximize the emotional impact.
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, many of whom left with new insights into preparedness and defense.
Media interest has been significant. The exhibition was featured in several major news outlets, including SVT and Sveriges Radio, which helped spread the message and increase awareness of our project.