How does solidarity look among young people today?
What do we do with the prejudices that shape our relationships?
And how can art become a tool for dialogue and understanding of cultural identities?
Echoes of Solidarity – Art for Intercultural Dialogue is a creative and mentoring programme implemented within the UNESCO Youth for Peace Programme. It is designed for young people who wish to explore themes of identity, diversity, belonging and solidarity through art, writing, visual expression and collective creative work.
The programme brings together a diverse group of young people – local youth, Roma youth, as well as international students living in Niš – with the aim of learning, creating and building dialogue through an artistic process.
🎨 How do we work? (methods and approach)
Within the programme, participants will be able to choose among different creative approaches, including poetry, short prose and other forms of creative writing, storytelling through photography, as well as drawing and painting. These approaches serve as starting points, not fixed categories.
Participants are encouraged to experiment, mix media and combine text, images and visual expression in line with their personal interests and the development of their ideas. The process is open and flexible, with a focus on exploration, dialogue and collective learning, rather than on a predefined format or a perfect final outcome.
🗓 What does the programme include?
The programme is structured around several connected phases:
31 January–1 February – two-day workshops in Niš. The programme begins with two intensive workshops focused on intercultural dialogue, empathy and creative expression. Through non-formal learning, discussions and artistic exercises, participants will get to know each other, connect and begin developing ideas that will later be expanded.
February – mentoring and creative production. Following the workshops, participants will enter a mentoring phase, during which they will work closely with mentors to develop their ideas into concrete artistic works, such as poetry, short texts, photography, illustration, collage, short videos or hybrid forms. Work may be individual or collaborative.
March – public exhibitions and presentations. The final phase includes public exhibitions and presentations of the created works, accompanied by conversations with the audience on the themes addressed by the project.
👥 Who can apply?
The call is open to young people aged 18–24, regardless of previous experience in art. Applications are especially encouraged from:
- local youth
- Roma youth
- international students living in Niš
- young people who have never publicly exhibited or published their work
Motivation, curiosity and willingness to engage in a collective process are more important than having a “perfect” portfolio.
✨ What do you gain by participating?
Participation in the programme offers:
- a safe and supportive environment for creative work
- mentoring support from established artists and writers
- development of creative, communication and intercultural skills
- the opportunity to present your work publicly
- experience of international and intercultural collaboration
- participation in a programme supported by the UNESCO Youth for Peace initiative
Participation is free of charge. The number of places is limited.
🎓 Mentors
Jovana Bajagić. Jovana Bajagić is a writer and poet from Serbia. Her short stories and poetry have been published in numerous literary magazines, anthologies and online platforms in Serbia and the region. She is the author of the short story collection Deca za priče (2016) and the poetry collection Muve (2023), published by the Association of Writers and Literary Translators of Niš. She has received several literary awards, and her works have been translated into Spanish and French. In her mentoring work, she focuses on poetry, short prose and the development of personal voice through writing.
Mina Stefanović. Mina Stefanović is a visual artist from Niš working in illustration, photography and short video formats. She has held 24 solo exhibitions and participated in several group exhibitions across Serbia and the region. Her work often explores themes of identity, the body and social norms, and has been exhibited in Niš, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Podgorica and other cities. She has collaborated with the publishing house Svet stripa (Veseli četvrtak) as an illustrator. As a mentor, she works with participants on developing visual expression and experimenting with different media.
Nenad Kostić. Nenad Kostić is a poet and literary critic from Niš. His poetry, prose and critical texts have been published in numerous literary magazines and online platforms in Serbia and the region. He has participated in international literary festivals and workshops and has received several awards for poetry and literary criticism. He is the author of the poetry collection How Centaurs Wear Trousers (2025). He is actively involved in the contemporary literary scene and in working with young people, with a particular interest in connecting literature with other artistic practices.
📝 How to apply? Applications are submitted via an online application form (link). After the call closes, a selection process will be conducted to ensure a diverse and balanced group of participants. All applicants will be informed of the results in due time.
If you are looking for a space to create, learn and be part of a process that connects art and dialogue – this call is for you.