The exhibition “Stories of Ongoingness” was presented to the public in Belgrade at the Endžio Hub from September 19 to 21st of September, following its previous successful showing in Pristina. Visitors had the opportunity to see stories created by young people from Kosovo and Serbia as part of a Youth Exchange and Storytelling Workshops on Dealing with the Past. The workshops were organized under the project “Cross Border Youth Dialogue,” jointly implemented by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights Serbia and Kosovo.

At the exhibition opening, Sofija Todorović, executive director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights Serbia, addressed the attendees, stating, “This exhibition is a testimony to the resilience and courage that we need in the current atmosphere.” Ilir Vitija, project manager of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Kosovo, emphasized that this is one of the few exhibitions happening in both Belgrade and Pristina. He added, “Young people have a strong desire to connect, and I believe that nothing can stop them on that path.” 

Project coordinator Nevena Rudinac noted that this exhibition is a testament to the openness of young people who dared to challenge the dominant narratives with stories of friendship. She also mentioned that there will be more youth exchanges and a new exhibition in both countries in the coming period. Ana Sofia Erasmi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade, highlighted the important role of youth in improving relations between Serbia and Kosovo, particularly noting, “The significance of dialogue is precisely shown in this exhibition, as well as the courage of these wonderful young people who participated. This exhibition represents an important step in connecting the two communities and fostering reconciliation.”

Over the past year, 60 young people from Serbia and Kosovo participated in three youth exchanges, where they got to know each other, share their experiences, and collaborate on creating stories. Through these stories, they presented their personal and shared experiences, emphasized the similarities between the two communities, and spread the message of the importance of cooperation in building a better future. Thanks to curator Simon Kurti, these stories were transformed into the exhibition “Stories of Ongoingness,” which was organized in Belgrade ahead of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21. The exhibition was also supported by the Swedish Embassy in Belgrade. 

The aim of this exhibition was to create a space of freedom through storytelling where young people can engage in dialogue and reflect on opportunities for cooperation and building better relationships between the two communities.

*Funded by the European Union

*Funded by the Swedish Embassy