Honouring the voices shaping culture and creativity across the region
The Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WB) project, supported by the European Union, has successfully highlighted the power of storytelling in fostering dialogue across the Western Balkans. Focusing on strengthening the cultural and creative sectors, the initiative aimed to enhance skills, improve access to financial aid, and support the circulation of creative goods and services.
The awards ceremony in Belgrade celebrated the winners’ outstanding contributions to cultural storytelling. Their work highlights the region’s artistic richness and fosters deeper connections across the Western Balkans.
Thomson Foundation, with the support of the British Council, has taken on an ambitious task to support journalists who are reporting in the field of culture. Over the past year, journalists were supported in three phases – Capacity building, (free courses, mentorship, expert support), Production grants (grant support to produce the stories) and Awards. They were working individually and to motivate and support regional collaboration, in groups of two. As a result, 22 journalists produced 76 compelling stories that entered the competition for the Award for Production Excellence.
The Award for Production Excellence winners were selected by a distinguished jury comprising Marko Miletić, Agnesa Çavolli, and Toni Cifrovski. Their choices reflect the region’s rich diversity, innovative storytelling, and commitment to cultural dialogue.
Individual story winners
1st prize – Mirana Dmitrović (Serbia)
“A walk through the history of the Subotica art scene: ‘Everything is here, but nothing is there” – A captivating exploration of Subotica’s artistic heritage, shedding light on its hidden yet vibrant scene
2nd prize – Anisa Šerak (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
“Tuzla’s techo revolution: A cultural legacy in electronic music”– A deep dive into the underground music culture shaping Tuzla’s creative landscape
3rd prize – Goshe Nikolov (North Macedonia)
“Memes: The language of the internet that transcends cultural barriers” – A fascinating analysis of how memes serve as a universal medium of communication across borders
Collaborative story winners
1st prize – Lidija Pisker and Sanja Đorđević (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia)
“Women’s faces of our streets in Novi Sad and Zenica” – A powerful narrative showcasing the overlooked stories of women who have shaped the history of these cities
2nd prize – Lidija Pisker and Xhenson Cela (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania)
“One Building, one million stories – Hotel Zenica” and “Piramida Tirana” – A compelling portrayal of two landmark buildings as symbols of changing times
3rd prize – Fatbardha Nergjoni and Albina Vicković (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
“Dossier – The position of museums in cultural policies: Museums in the Western Balkans” – A critical examination of the role and challenges of museums in preserving regional heritage
The winners were awarded monetary prizes from the 10,000 euros award fund. First places won 2,500 euros, second 1,500 euros while the third prize winners won 1,000 euros.
The Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WB) project has demonstrated the transformative power of storytelling in bridging cultures and fostering dialogue. Through their compelling narratives, the award-winning authors have shed light on the region’s artistic evolution, cultural challenges, and shared histories, reinforcing the importance of creative expression in shaping the future.
By recognising and celebrating these outstanding contributions, the project amplifies diverse voices and encourages further collaboration across the Western Balkans. As the cultural and creative sectors evolve, initiatives like CC4WB serve as a vital platform for innovation, dialogue, and mutual understanding, ensuring these powerful stories resonate beyond borders.
Read some of the articles published during the CC4WB project HERE.
