Opening of the multimedia exhibition “U Sarajevu sve po staROM”

The exhibition was developed by a creative team of young people from Sarajevo — Almir Agić, Nedžla Čolo, Ena Bečirević, Lamija Abazović and Mak Filipović — under the mentorship of Ivana Roso.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition at Galerija “Manifesto”, Almir Agić emphasized that the initiative was created out of a desire for equality.

“The exhibition is an attempt to open space for dialogue, curiosity, and the courage to admit to ourselves that things are not always as we think. Peace and equality do not arise on their own — they emerge when we are willing to listen to one another.” 

Visitors were also addressed by Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdić, who emphasized the importance of opening space for conversations about prejudice and mutual understanding.

“Sarajevo is a city of encounters and diversity. Exhibitions like this remind us how important it is to listen to one another, build trust, and create a society in which everyone has their place.” 

The exhibition includes video interviews, film excerpts, archival media materials, drawings, and photographs by the legendary Sarajevo photographer Milomir Kovačević Strašni.

Samir Omerefendić, Head of the Secretariat of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted that the voices of young people are essential for building a more open and inclusive society.

“Through initiatives such as this exhibition, young people not only challenge stereotypes and discrimination, but also open space for dialogue and mutual understanding — which lies at the very core of the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, supporting initiatives that give young people the space to raise important social issues and contribute to strengthening trust among communities.”

Ivana Roso, mentor of the creative team, encouraged visitors to continue reflecting on the exhibition’s message.

“I hope that even after this exhibition you will continue reminding society that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but that it begins where equality, dignity and equal rights exist for all its members.”

The exhibition is part of the “Furaj mir” programme, which connects young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina and empowers them to use creativity and art to open space for dialogue, understanding, and peacebuilding in their communities. The programme is part of the PEACESTORY project, implemented with support from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund by the War Childhood Museum, Mozaik Foundation, the Centre for Educational Initiatives Step by Step, and the Secondary School Students Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina.