The “Culture Connects” campaign of WeBalkans was featured at the Regional Conference on Youth Cultural Cooperation that was held at Europe House Belgrade and organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Western Balkans Youth Lab 2.
The event assembled artists, EU representatives, and officials from the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the RCC to delve discuss cultural collaboration across the region.
Ognjen Marković, the Team Leader of RCC’s WB Youth Lab 2, opened the conference with a strong call for enhanced support systems to tap into the full creative and visionary potential of the youth. “By investing in our young talents and supporting their initiatives, we are fortifying the cultural fabric of the Western Balkans and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and dynamic future,” he said.
The presentation of the “Culture Connects” campaign underscored the importance of cultural collaboration and emphasized how diverse cultures of the Western Balkans strengthen the region’s vibrancy and resilience, highlighting the significant role of EU support through programmes like the Creative Europe programme, CC4WB which bolsters cultural initiatives in the region.
That was also highlighted by Richard Maša, Head of Operations, Section II, at the EU Delegation to Serbia, who reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to nurturing youth potential and empowerment.
“Supporting culture and cultural exchange is crucial in bringing people together and fostering unity in our diversity,”
Richard Maša, Head of Operations, Section II, the EU Delegation to Serbia
The conference highlighted the cultural sector’s key role as a catalyst for economic growth and community cohesion, marking a vital step toward a more unified cultural landscape where young artists do more than participate—they actively shape the region’s cultural narrative.
Marija Bulat, Head of the Local Branch Office at RYCO, discussed the transformative power of cultural exchanges. “Exchanges are crucial for breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and promoting regional cooperation,” she explained, adding that RYCO’s Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund is paving new paths for peacebuilding through art and culture.
In addition to presenting the “Culture Connects” campaign, the conference featured a strong collaboration with WeBalkans. Young European Ambassador, Adi Softić moderated the session “Creating Sustainable Cultural Networks.” Our cultural ambassador, Mara Prohaska, joined campaign expert to present a segment on documentary art production. Additionally, the keynote speech was delivered by young artist Hanna Dujmović, who also carries out a role of Culture Connects cultural ambassadors.
“Supporting culture and cultural exchange is crucial in bringing people together and fostering unity in our diversity,”
Richard Maša, Head of Operations, Section II, the EU Delegation to SerbiaThe conference highlighted the cultural sector’s key role as a catalyst for economic growth and community cohesion, marking a vital step toward a more unified cultural landscape where young artists do more than participate—they actively shape the region’s cultural narrative.
Marija Bulat, Head of the Local Branch Office at RYCO, discussed the transformative power of cultural exchanges. “Exchanges are crucial for breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and promoting regional cooperation,” she explained, adding that RYCO’s Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund is paving new paths for peacebuilding through art and culture.
In addition to presenting the “Culture Connects” campaign, the conference featured a strong collaboration with WeBalkans. Young European Ambassador, Adi Softić moderated the session “Creating Sustainable Cultural Networks.” Our cultural ambassador, Mara Prohaska, joined campaign expert to present a segment on documentary art production. Additionally, the keynote speech was delivered by young artist Hanna Dujmović, who also carries out a role of Culture Connects cultural ambassadors.
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