The Skopje Summer School is a truly unique week of songwriting, recording, and performing. 60 young people from the Serb and Albanian communities in the divided town of Mitrovica in Northern Kosovo, as well as for young Roma and Macedonian musicians from Skopje, come together to form interethnic bands, create original songs, and perform in a live concert. Every year, this event brings young people together for one unforgettable week to connect, create, and share what they love most: music!
The Kosovo war in 1999 left the city of Mitrovica divided. Albanians live south of the river Ibar, Serbs to the north, almost completely isolated from each other. Entire generations have grown up without any contact with the other side. In North Macedonia, the Roma community faces severe discrimination. Romani youth are excluded from education, employment, and culture. The Summer School has been a safe place for young people from all communities to come together, but it is now under threat.
Since its launch in 2008, the annual Summer School brings to life new bands and gices young musicians the chance to connect beyond the pressures of an ethnically and politically divided city. Over the course of an intensive week of songwriting, rehearsing, recording, and performing, participants form lasting friendships. Many describe the experience as life-changing, and the positive energy emenating from the week often evolves into year-long creative collaborations.
The project's long-term impact lies in the lasting inter-ethnic friendships, strengthened trust, and the creation of a new generation of young people who collaborate beyond ethnic and political divisions. Through sustained creative partnerships, participants develop professional skills, confidence, and networks that extend into future education and careers. Since 2008, the project has had a wider impact in its aim to create a more peaceful, resilient, and inclusive society.
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