Working group concept and project application requirements
Working groups ensure networking for individual members of the diaspora of Bosnia and Herzegovina and interested individuals for the purpose of exchanging ideas, information and experience and joint development and implementation of project ideas and initiatives. The focus should be primarily on projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, rather than on projects in Switzerland, in order to prevent the Diaspora for Development of B&H from becoming a diaspora for the diaspora. In addition to the main goals and manner of functioning of the working group, which have remained unchanged, three approaches to development and implementation of project ideas and initiatives were developed, namely:
- The participants of the working groups participate in the implementation of initiatives and projects adopted by the Steering Committee and Desk Office of i-platform in its annual activities plan;
- The participants of the working group develop project ideas and initiatives that will be implemented in the framework of i-platform;
- The participants of the working group develop project ideas and initiatives that will be implemented beyond the framework of i-platform.
Initiatives and project ideas of working groups that require initial funds raising or coverage of certain costs are sent to working group coordinators by e-mail. Group coordinators then forward them to the Steering Committee of i-diaspora for approval. Project applications must contain the following three documents:
- Project concept
- Activities time schedule
- Budget and financial plan
Documents, including all project application requirements, will be soon published on the website of i-platform.
i-platform 2018 activities plan
The key focus in the first quarter of the year is on four cultural events organised by i-platform for the purpose of promoting the work of the association and attracting persons interested in working in the field of culture. It is important to stress that this is a unique event of this type and that i-platform will no longer deal with it. All event information can be found on the website of i-platform. In addition to expanding the network of i-platform, one of the goals is to involve all relevant institutions in charge of culture in both countries. The focus in 2018 is also on more active work of the working group and implementation of at least one project by the end of the year.
Workshop
In a discussion that ensued after a presentation of the working group model, project ideas from the first two meetings were presented, and the analysis of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland focusing on the establishment of cultural hubs in both countries and transfer of knowledge and contribution to the development of libraries aroused particular interest. In addition to this, the participants were able to mention the following cultural subareas that they were mostly interested in and that they would like to work on in the framework of the working group:
- Organisation of thematic events + a workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland
- Focus on current topics and relevant discussions/conferences
- Workshop with professionals focusing on specific fields (such as the Red Bull Music Academy)
- Literary evening + workshop with a writer
- Workshop with young designers and photographers from Bosnia and Herzegovina
- LGBT community in Bosnia and Herzegovina --> panel discussions – Human Library
- Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland speak the language of art --> multicultural libraries
- The philharmonic orchestra of Bosnia and Herzegovina visiting Switzerland and vice versa
- Supporting the culture of comics
- Cooperation between theatres (Banja Luka – Zurich – Basel – Sarajevo)
- Emina (Minka) Kamberović – transfer of know-how
- Complementary schools--> establishment of the first Bosnian and Herzegovinian complementary schools in Switzerland
- Language learning through Skype (establishment of distance learning schools for children in Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Literary mornings with children and reading of Bosnian and Herzegovinian children’s books (distance learning schools)
- Culture of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina --> permaculture and establishment of a virtual and physical hub in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bosnian and Herzegovinian donor evenings --> organisation of a humanitarian event, including a meal consisting of Bosnian and Herzegovinian specialties, for the purpose of funds raising for certain projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A brief overview of ideas from the first two meetings:
- Contribution to the development of libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Humour --> focus on the stand-up comedy scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Support for museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina --> placing the focus on museums in large cities; history as an important part of culture
- Support for the children’s orphanage "Bjelave" --> organisation of a humanitarian funds raising event
- Transfer of knowledge and experience between the art scenes of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland
- Exchange of students between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland --> transfer of know-how, potential linkage with existing summer schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Analysis of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland focusing on the establishment of cultural hubs in Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina --> the purpose: networking among the key cultural actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, support to cultural production and transfer of know-how
Meeting conclusions, schedule and further steps
The Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Berne has demonstrated initiative through active involvement in the activities of the diaspora and building a bridge between official institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora. The issue of project co-financing by other institutions and how to ensure this has turned out to be one of the most important ones. i-platform is actively working on gathering information about project co-financing funds and all data will be published on the website. Members of the working group Culture present at the meeting have decided to vote by the end of March in favour of not more than two ideas that they would like to develop in order to initiate the specific preparation of project strategy with the highest number of votes.
The next meeting of the working group Culture will be held on
Saturday, 14th April 2018, 09.30-13.00, in Bern
The invitation, programme and further information will be published on the website of i-platform.