Art x Peace conference aims to foster dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo
With a shared history marked by conflict, Serbia and Kosovo have long grappled with tensions rooted in the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s and Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. Against this backdrop, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) is working to bridge divides by focusing on shared cultural heritage rather than ingrained differences.
From 12 to 14 December, the Art x Peace conference will take place at the European Parliament and Muntpunt library in Brussels, exploring how art and culture can foster peace and dialogue.
YIHR is a regional network of NGOs based in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The organisation's mission is to promote and fight for truth, justice, accountability, equality, freedom, democracy and peace," says Tijana Đuknić, the cultural programme coordinator at YIHR Serbia.
Art in response to oppression
Đuknić will be one of many panellists in Brussels hoping to bring attention to enduring issues in the Balkan region during the conference.
The programme will open with a screening of the film Connecting, which focuses on the dire need for cultural and artistic cooperation between Serbia and Kosovo. Directed by Idro Seferi and produced by YIHR in Serbia, Integra NGO in Kosovo, Human Rights Education Network in Brussels and Civic Initiatives in Serbia, the film is a response to oppression from the Serbian government.
Earlier this year, YIHR faced threats from extremist groups and its own government when the Serbian Interior ministry banned Mirëdita, Dobar Dan - meaning "hello" in Albanian and Serbian respectively - a festival promoting artistic and cultural cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia.
"Unfortunately, there are very few platforms that allow people from both Kosovo and Serbia to hear alternative narratives or engage with the 'other side'," Đuknić says. She hopes the film and discussion after will call attention to this issue.
The conference programme also includes two days of panel discussions, workshops and collaborations at Muntpunt . These sessions will bring together young artists and activists to explore innovative approaches to social justice and positive change.
Serbia, Kosovo and the EU
Đuknić believes the conference will shed light on the difficulties Serbia and Kosovo face domestically, but also regarding their candidacy for EU ascension.
"These discussions and cultural offerings highlight the significance of European values, such as mutual understanding, respect, multiculturalism and the appreciation of differences," she says. "Moreover, it underscores that peace-building and peace-making are ongoing efforts that require continuous engagement and investment."
Both Serbia and Kosovo are pursuing EU membership, albeit with challenges. Serbia, the largest country in southeast Europe seeking accession, has been an official candidate since 2012, though public support for joining remains low, with a June 2023 poll showing only 33 per cent of Serbs in favour. Kosovo, recognised as a potential candidate by the EU, continues to face hurdles due to its unresolved status with Serbia.
Art x Peace will convene artists, activists, researchers, policymakers and human rights advocates in a bid to find a way forward for these conflict-ridden countries. Đuknić: "To prevent the horrors of the past from repeating and ensure lasting peace in Europe, we must actively practise and promote these core values."
(MOH)
A poster for Connecting, directed by Idro Seferi © PHOTO BELGA HANDOUT / YIHR SERBIA
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