Every person contributes to the cultural diversity of society. Unique folklore and traditions, specific knowledge and language, crafts and materials of different cultures are valuable assets to all humankind. Diverse heritage enriches the quality of our lives and contributes to tolerance and respect for differences.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a rich country. Minimum 17 different cultures contributed to the development and richness of our heritage. Roma, Jews, Italians, Germans, Turks, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Ukrainians, and other minority groups have been enriching and building B&H society for centuries.
The architects of many B&H towns are Czechs, Austrians and Turks (Ottomans), our language is enriched by words of German and Turkish origin, while Austrians contributed to the industrial development. There are many stories to be explored and told!
Although all minority groups had an important role in the development of B&H, in today’s society they are mainly invisible. In order to educate young people about the legacy of different national minority groups, their culture and art and other influences to B&H society, a project titled “(In)Visible” – Cultural rights of national minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be implemented during 2017 and 2018 across the country.
“(In)Visible” will spread the knowledge and information about the cultural rights of national minorities. At the end of the project, we hope to achieve larger respect for the culture, art, and heritage that originates from different social groups but belongs to all citizens of B&H. This focus of the project is to promote common cultural heritage at the territory of B&H. This will be done by organizing several educational and communicational activities in five towns of B&H.
High schools students will take part in the workshops and study visits, fieldwork and other fun and educational events. Taking part in the practical workshop, they will learn about documenting and 3d scanning, collecting oral histories, as well as take part in the cleaning of heritage sites.
As part of the project, several on-line contests and games will be developed inspired by the rich culture and art of national minorities, and our common and diverse heritage. At the end of the project “Cultural human rights festival” will be organized, celebrating and showcasing diverse cultural heritage.
The project will be implemented in cooperation with associations of national minorities and cultural institutions. Funding for this project is provided by the United States Government.