11-15.09.2023

On September 11 to 15, 2023, the Icebreakers 2023 artist colony program took place. This event was organized by the Helsinki Committee of Serbia (Serbia) and Artpolis – Center for Art and Community (Kosovo).

The initial artists’ meeting commenced in June 2023 and was conducted in the capitals of both countries, including several day visits to cultural, archaeological, and heritage sites to acquaint participants with the project’s mission. Following the conclusion of this first phase, a dedicated period was allocated for evaluating ideas, enabling them to move forward with implementation in the coming months.

This artistic colony was scheduled as the second part of the program, designed to facilitate the exchange of artistic ideas and mutual values between artists from both countries. It serves as a creative means to improve relations. Young artists from various artistic disciplines presented their projects, encompassing exhibitions, clothing creations, storytelling, audio-books, photography, video, sculpture, and conceptual art. In essence, these artistic creations intricately incorporate elements of their respective cultures and provide unique perspectives on ethnic divisions. The overarching aim, in accordance with the program’s format, is to foster mutual recognition and collaboration among these artists.

In November of this year, there are plans to finalize the projects and present them in a joint exhibition in Belgrade.

The program, which has been implemented since March 2015, is led by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia (HCHR), and over the next three years will be developed in cooperation with Artpolis from Prishtina and with the support of the European Union.

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