The artistic ideas of young people have the power to inspire communities and drive positive change across the region

2024-11-13 14:16:00, Aktualitet CNA

The artistic ideas of young people have the power to inspire communities and

Emerging and established artists, cultural policy makers and youth representatives from six Western Balkan countries gathered today in Belgrade for the Regional Conference on Youth Cultural Cooperation, organized by the Western Balkans Youth Lab 2, an initiative funded by The European Union, with the common goal of advancing regional cultural cooperation and creating an innovative platform dedicated to empowering young and creative minds in the region.

"Our young people have incredible creativity and vision, but to truly exploit this potential, we need more advanced support systems and deeper regional collaborations. By investing in our young talents and supporting their initiatives, we are strengthening the cultural fabric of the Western Balkans Six countries and creating a foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic future," said Ognjen Markovi?, Team Leader of RCC's WB Youth Lab 2, at the opening of today's conference, entitled "Awakening the Cultural Scene: Light on Youth Talents".

The creative industry in the Western Balkans represents up to 4.7% of the workforce, compared to 7.5% in the EU. The remarkable strength and achievements of young people in the region highlighted the need for a greater commitment to improve local skills and capacities, as well as to deepen the links between Europe's youth and creative industries. The conference highlighted the untapped potential of the cultural sector as an engine for economic growth and community cohesion, and is an important step towards a more united cultural landscape, where young artists not only contribute, but also shape the cultural narrative of the region.

"Developing the potential of youth and empowering them are major priorities on the agenda of the European Union. Trying to mitigate the challenges facing the youth, as one of the most vulnerable groups, the EU aims to mobilize various policy instruments to increase opportunities for youth participation. More specifically, supporting the field of culture and cultural exchange helps to bring people together and unite us in our diversity," said Richard Masa, Head of Section II, EU Delegation to Serbia.

"Such exchanges are essential to break down barriers, promote empathy and foster regional cooperation. The Regional Office of Youth Cooperation has also recognized the potential that culture and art have for helping peace-building processes and has offered new opportunities through the Western Balkans Youth Culture Fund. By engaging in cultural projects, we create spaces for young people to explore different perspectives, challenge prejudices and build new shared narratives,” said Marija Bulat, Head of Local Office, RYCO.

As a conclusion of today's conference, an evening exhibition "History of the Region" will open at the N.EON Gallery from 19:30, presenting works by ten young artists from six countries of the Western Balkans: Vuk Duric, Euklid Berzeshta, Sara Duric, Kristina Mandic, Gorazd Kenny, Aleksandar Crnogorac, Anita Morina, Hanna Dujmovi?, Katarina Pivnicki and Strahinja Tanasijin. The exhibition is open to the public and offers the unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the creativity and cultural wealth of the region's youth. Through a diverse range of visual art, installations and multimedia presentations, the exhibition highlights various motifs of the region's cultural wealth.

Western Balkans Youth Lab 2 is funded by the European Union and implemented by RCC./ CNA