Conference "30 Years After Dayton: Myths, Realities, and New Visions for the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina" | ART AS A WAY OF REFLECTING ON PEACE, COMMUNITY, AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Alongside the conference "30 Years After Dayton: Myths, Realities, and New Visions for the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina," a rich program of artistic content will also be held.

ART AS A WAY OF REFLECTING ON PEACE, COMMUNITY, AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

In addition to academic sessions, there will be a diverse program of artistic activities

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, within the framework of the conference “30 Years After Dayton: Myths, Realities, and New Visions for the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” events that explore peace, unity, and individual responsibility through artistic expression will take place.

“While the Dayton Agreement formally ended the war, art has been and remains a tool for emotional, social, and cultural recovery. After the war, through theater, film, literature, music, and visual arts, society gained space to tell personal war experiences, awaken empathy, restore a sense of belonging and humanity, and process traumas,” stated Arma Tanović-Branković, Vice Rector for Arts, Artistic Research, Culture, and Sports at the University of Sarajevo, and member of the Artistic Committee.

On Saturday, November 22, at 18:00, at the Youth Theatre Sarajevo, the play “Here and Now,” directed by Ajla Bešić, will be performed. The play explores themes of overcoming personal and social hardships and the contribution of individuals to creating a brighter future. Through the lens of social cohesion and intercultural dialogue, the creative team and cast speak about the meaning of peace for new generations of young people in post-Dayton society. The play is inclusive and gathers diverse voices and perspectives. The cast includes Alen Konjicija, Edis Bilić, Dragana Seferović Pilav, Dušan Arnaut, Merima Sorguć, Matea Mavrak, Emina Topolović, Ana-Marija Tomić, and Mirna Jogunčić. The production is realized by the Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR in partnership with UNFPA Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the project “Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust / Moving Us Closer,” supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (#PBF) and the Embassy of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the same day at 20:00., at the Sarajevo War Theatre, there will be a staged reading of “Don’t Dream Dreams,” by Tahir Herenda. The staged reading critically examines the role of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the political decisions and ideologies that shaped it. Through authentic statements by international diplomats and politicians, the text explores the mechanisms of power, stereotypes, and interests that have shaped contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina. The reading features actors from SARTR: Selma Alispahić, Ana Mia Karić, Sead Pandur, Jasenko Pašić, Davor Sabo, and Adnan Kreso, along with a video work by artist Bojan Stojčić.

On Sunday, from 11:00 to 13:00, at the Bosniak Institute-Adil Zulfikarpašić Foundation, an exhibition titled “Speaking of the Unspeakable: Art After Srebrenica” by Adis Elias Fejzić and Hariz Halilović will be opened. A panel discussion involving Nedžad Avdić, Amela Mustafić, Nirha Efendić, Adis Elias Fejzić, and Hariz Halilović will also be held.

These program activities provide space for joint reflection on the meaning of peace, social responsibility, and the possibilities for building a better future. All events are free of charge.