The main 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 inspiring and creative setting of the Petnica Science Center in Valjevo. In this unique environment, known for merging knowledge, research, and creativity, participants spent unforgettable days filled with music, learning, and artistic exploration.
Co-financed by the EU and Western Balkans Fund within the Joint Action, Petnica became a hub where diverse musical expressions, cultural identities, and artistic sensitivities met — a place where new music was born, and shared Balkan melodies took on a contemporary form.
Petnica Science Center, a symbol of research and innovation in the region, proved to be the perfect backdrop for the meeting of artists and scientists. In addition to working with top mentors, young musicians had the opportunity to learn from professors of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering from Belgrade about the acoustics of concert halls, blending art and science in a unique creative process. This interdisciplinary approach gave the project an additional dimension — music was not only performed but also studied, analyzed, and reimagined.
Under the careful guidance of Milan Nedeljković and Lamija Sarić, participants developed joint ideas and created compositions presented at two “Balkan on Stage” concerts in Petnica. Alongside daily rehearsals, thematic workshops were organized, including:
- Traditional Singing – led by Milena Urošević, introducing participants to the richness of melodies and techniques of performing traditional Balkan songs.
- Rhythms of the Balkans – led by Goran Milošević, exploring diverse applications of traditional rhythms across different instruments and genres.
- The Power of Music’s Voice – led by Boris Bunjac, highlighting the significance and strength of non-verbal stage expression through music.
- A Short Guide Through Acoustics – led by professors Miomir Mijić and Dragana Šumarac Pavlović from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, focusing on the acoustic properties of concert halls with a special emphasis on halls in the Western Balkans region.
Special guests at the first “Balkan on Stage” concert, held on July 24 at Petnica’s amphitheater, were the ethno groups “Valjevke” and “Mione”, under the artistic direction of Milena Urošević, adding authenticity to the sound of the region.
A particularly memorable moment occurred when the participants performed for students from other Petnica programs, including young researchers in chemistry, physics, and biology. This meeting of science and art further enriched the experience, creating an atmosphere where creativity and curiosity went hand in hand.
Beyond music-making, social interactions played a vital role — evening gatherings, conversations, and spontaneous jam sessions built friendships and a network of collaborations that will continue long after the project’s conclusion. Another highlight was the cultural excursion to Valjevo and Brankovina, where participants explored the cultural and historical heritage of the area, deepening the connection between art and local identity. Accompanied by expert guides, they visited Tešnjar, the old part of town known for its preserved architecture and the spirit of bygone times, the Valjevo National Museum, Muselim’s Konak, and the Desanka Maksimović Museum in Brankovina, including her birthplace, school, and final resting place. This trip left a powerful emotional imprint and enriched the overall experience in Valjevo.
Creative Vibes demonstrated that music knows no borders and can be a powerful tool for connection and reconciliation in the Western Balkans. Through joint work, young musicians discovered the richness of diversity, creating a unique artistic narrative that will inspire future generations. The compositions created in Petnica will live on — at concerts, festivals, and through the participants’ future collaborations.
The realization of this project segment would not have been possible without the dedicated partners — AkustikUm from Tuzla, Polyhymnia from Skopje, and Zrcalo from Podgorica, who, together with the project leader, the Music-Opera-Theater Organization MOTO, turned the idea of young Balkan musical collaboration into reality.
In addition to the support of the EU/WBF, the project was also backed by the City of Valjevo, Lidl, Nivea, transport company Lastra, publishing house Clio, and the TV show Balkan Top Star.
Creative Vibes is more than a project — it is a space of encounters, sound, dialogue, and friendship. A movement proving that music knows no boundaries and that collective creation can be the foundation for a stronger, more open, and regionally connected society.
