What Is This About?  

Inclusion, tolerance, equality in society… – words we often hear, but how often do we pause to truly understand them? It’s easy to define them and discuss them in theory, but true understanding comes from experience and listening to others.  

This project was designed to offer exactly that – a lived and meaningful experience that goes beyond mere definitions. Through a series of interactive workshops, participants had a unique opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds, hear their personal stories, and engage in open, thought-provoking discussions. It was a space that encouraged curiosity, where difficult questions could be asked without fear of judgment, and where understanding replaced the noise of online debates.  

However, the project wasn’t just about learning – it was also about connection. Participants had the chance to communicate with others, exchange ideas, and gain deeper insight into what it means to be part of a diverse and interconnected world.  

 

Workshops  

We started our work by organizing four workshops.  

The first workshop focused on getting to know each other and discovering the rich history and culture of Zagreb. After a dynamic and fun session, we explored the city center, visiting famous landmarks and buildings significant to Zagreb’s and Croatia’s cultural heritage.  

The second workshop was dedicated to music. We hosted young musicians from the Music Clinic, who played and sang Croatian songs of cultural significance. We also discussed European musical traditions and shared our favorite songs.  

The third workshop centered around European literature. We organized a quiz on famous European literary works, and participants shared their reading experiences and talked about books they love.  

The fourth and final workshop was dedicated to art and its role in shaping European social and political thought. We discussed significant European artworks and the interconnectedness of European cultural heritage. Then, we tried our hand at creative expression by visiting the Museum of Unfinished Art and experimenting with different forms of artistic creation.  

 

Intensive Winter Program  

The participants gradually became more comfortable with each other, creating space for deeper reflection and artistic expression. With a lot of effort and dedication, they completed their work on the performance, which they proudly presented to their families, friends, and the audience at the SKAZ Festival of Amateur Arts in Zagreb. They wrote the script, danced, played music, and acted, putting a piece of themselves into every segment. Through the chosen theme of home and family, their performance conveyed the emotions and values that were most important to them.

 

Participation in SKAZ  

The participants eagerly awaited the opportunity to perform in front of a wider audience and a professional jury at the SKAZ Festival. Through art, they aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by young people who, due to war or political and economic instability, are forced to leave their homes. They presented a performance in which they shared their stories, emotions, and encouraged the audience to reflect on the importance of support and unity in difficult times. The experience of performing was very valuable for the participants, providing them with an opportunity for professional growth and motivation for future artistic projects.