Written by YEA Nevena Matić, Young European Ambassador from Serbia
Sometimes, a colour says what words cannot. What would yours say?
In a world that rarely gives us time to pause, we often carry emotions we struggle to express. Anxiety, frustration, uncertainty and exhaustion can quietly become part of our everyday lives, leaving little room to breathe, reflect and reconnect with ourselves. But what if we could put those feelings on a canvas instead of keeping them inside?
This question inspired “Unleash your inner artist”, a creative workshop organised in Belgrade to mark International Artist Day on 25 October. Bringing together 12 participants, the workshop offered something we don’t always allow ourselves: the freedom to create without expectations. With canvases, acrylic paints and an open mind, participants were invited to explore their emotions, experiment with colours and discover where their creativity might take them.
There was no right or wrong way to paint. No grades, no competition and no pressure to create a masterpiece. Previous artistic experience didn’t matter, because the purpose was never to determine who could paint the best. It was about enjoying the process, trying something new and discovering that creativity doesn’t require permission, perfection or professional skills.
As the colours began to fill the canvases, so did the room with conversations, laughter, curiosity and moments of quiet concentration. Each participant approached the experience differently, creating something personal while sharing the same welcoming space. The workshop was also a reminder that art is not only about what we create, but about what happens when we create together. A brushstroke can become a way to communicate, a colour can express a feeling we cannot quite name, and a shared creative experience can bring people closer together.
The initiative was made possible with the support of WeBalkans, the involvement of the Young European Ambassadors network and Artpass contributing to its realisation. Artpass is a platform for creativity, art and culture, which organizes art workshops and a scrapbooking club in Belgrade. Beyond the artistic activity itself, the workshop reflected the values of inclusion, solidarity, dialogue and active participation that connect young people across the Western Balkans. It also provided an opportunity to introduce participants to WeBalkans and the opportunities that EU-supported initiatives offer to young people in the region.
At its heart, “Unleash your inner artist” was about making creativity accessible to everyone. Art doesn’t belong exclusively in galleries, museums or the hands of professional artists. It belongs wherever people are willing to explore, experiment and express themselves freely. It can be a moment of calm in a busy day, a bridge between people who have just met, or simply a chance to do something for the joy of doing it.
Because sometimes, we don’t need the perfect words to express ourselves. Sometimes, all we need is a blank canvas, a little colour and the courage to make the first stroke. You don’t need to know how to paint. You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to begin. And who knows? You might discover that the most beautiful thing you create is not only the artwork in front of you, but the connection, confidence and freedom you find along the way.
