YEAs behind the scenes: powering the WeBalkans Photo Exhibition | WeBalkans | EU Projects in the Western Balkans

YEAs behind the scenes: powering the WeBalkans Photo Exhibition

From the very first announcement of the Ready. Steady. Our Europe! photo contest, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) were there – supporting its promotion and encouraging young people across the Western Balkans to take part. During the launch events, YEAs took on the role of promoters, spreading the word in their communities and motivating young photographers to showcase their vision of sport, unity, and Europe. Their voices helped make the contest visible, accessible, and inspiring for a new generation of creators.

But promotion was just the beginning. As the exhibition tour rolled out across the region, from Belgrade to Podgorica, Skopje, Tirana, Maglaj, Pristina, and finally Struga, YEAs stepped into another role: local coordinators. They worked on the organizational side, assisting with logistics, welcoming guests, and ensuring that each event ran smoothly. In many cities, they were the bridge between the organiser and local audiences, making sure the exhibitions felt rooted in each community.

YEAs didn’t just organize – they showed up. They were present at the openings, meeting young photographers, talking to visitors, and sharing the spirit of the exhibition online. By doing so, they became an important thread tying together each stop of the tour, helping the project grow from a contest into a movement of regional solidarity and creativity.

The exhibition reached its final regional stop in Struga on 19 August, set against the calm shores of Lake Ohrid. With its blend of sport, art, and culture, it was a fitting conclusion to the Western Balkans tour.

Now, one last step remains: the journey to the EU capital, where the winning photographers will be celebrated and their work promoted on an even larger stage. Partnering with one of Europe’s major sports festivals, this final showcase will underline the message carried throughout the project – that through creativity, unity, and youth engagement, the Western Balkans has a powerful voice to share with Europe and beyond.

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