The central activities of the Creative Vibes project, which brings together young musicians from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, took place from July 20 to 27 (2025) in the creative atmosphere of the Petnica Science Center in Valjevo. In this unique environment dedicated to knowledge, experimentation, and the exchange of ideas, participants spent unforgettable days filled with music, learning, and connection.
Under the auspices of the Western Balkans Fund (WBF), Petnica became a hub for encounters of diverse musical expressions, cultural identities, and artistic sensibilities – a place where new music of the Western Balkans was created and shared, and existing music was (re)interpreted.
Daily rehearsals were held under the careful guidance of Milan Nedeljković and Lamija Sarić, who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and inspiration, helping to develop and shape collective ideas and compositions. Alongside the rehearsals, thematic workshops were organized, led by exceptional guest lecturers:
- The workshop “Traditional Singing,” led by Milena Urošević, introduced participants to the richness of traditional vocal styles.
- Goran Milošević’s workshop “Rhythms of the Balkans” immersed them in diverse rhythmic applications across various instruments and genres.
- Boris Bunjac explored the power of nonverbal musical expression in the workshop “The Power of Music’s Voice.”
- Professors Miomir Mijić and Dragana Šumarac Pavlović from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade delivered an engaging lecture titled “A Short Guide Through Acoustics,” with a focus on the acoustic properties of concert halls in the Western Balkans region.
The guests at the first “Balkan on Stage” concert, held at the Petnica amphitheater on Thursday, July 24, were the ethno groups “Valjevke” and “Mione,” under the artistic direction of Milena Urosevic.
Beyond the structured work, socializing played a vital role in this experience – spontaneous, sincere, and meaningful. Shared moments, evening gatherings, conversations, and exchanges laid the foundation for new friendships and future collaborations. A special highlight was the organized excursion to Valjevo and Brankovina, where participants had the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Accompanied by expert guides, they visited Tešnjar – the old part of the town known for its preserved architecture and spirit of the past, the Valjevo National Museum, and Muselim’s Konak. In Brankovina, they explored the cultural-historical complex and the Desanka Maksimović Museum, where they visited her birthplace, the school she attended, and her grave. This excursion left a deep emotional impression and further enriched the overall experience.
The realization of this segment of the project would not have been possible without our dedicated partners – AkustikUm from Tuzla, Polyhymnia from Skopje, and Zrcalo from Podgorica – who, along with the lead project organizer, the Music-Opera-Theater Organization MOTO, made it possible for the idea of musical collaboration among young people from the
Western Balkans to become a reality.
We owe great thanks to the City of Valjevo for its support and hospitality, the company LIDL for supporting our stay, the transportation company Lastra for bringing us safely and comfortably to all destinations, the publishing house Clio for their thoughtful gifts, and the Balkan Top Star team for their excellent promotion and support. Nivea further delighted the participants with attractive gift packages, adding to the wonderful atmosphere and warm sense of welcome.
Creative Vibes is more than a project – it is a space for encounters, sound, dialogue, and friendship. A movement that proves music knows no borders and that collective creativity can be the foundation for a stronger, more open, and more connected regional community.