“New approaches can bring a lot of positives for Kosovo”
An exciting project and a unique constellation of partners have been born thanks to the Swedish Embassy in Kosovo. Lund University and the innovation platform Future by Lund has formed a partnership with UN Habitat, the cultural organization Anibar and the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo with support from Page. Together they will explore how to support and develop innovation skills and capacities in the cultural and creative sectors in Kosovo.
On the ground in Kosovo is Lulzim Hoti, who has broad experience in the field, studying both literature and business, but also has specialized knowledge in, for example, creative production. In 2006, he co-founded and established 7art, a cultural organization that supports young artists in Kosovo and since 2010 he works with Mitrovica Green Festival where creative and cultural industries are linked to green issues and sustainability goals.
- Being part of this context has meant that I have had the opportunity to experiment and collaborate in the cultural and creative sector, says Lulzim Hoti. I know the ecosystem and know people in the industry. As a producer for a green festival, I am also keen to learn more about how green issues can be used in the cultural and creative sector in Kosovo.
How would you describe the situation of the cultural and creative industries in Kosovo?
- 25 years after the war ended, Kosovo is becoming a new country. Many sectors have been affected by the situation, but now it is a new era in which new technology and the country's young give the country new hope. In creative and cultural industries, we see that there is a positive trend. We are a country with a very young population and many focus on education in technology, information technology and precisely cultural and creative industries (KKB). In addition, there are many young people who speak good English. It is also important that the government has invested in financial support, for example for creative hubs and festivals. The creative sector has been identified as important, also to give the country a hope for a better future.
What are Kosovo's strengths in the cultural and creative sector?
- Kosovo is now in the process of developing strategies for KKB and identifying the best opportunities in this area. An important issue is how to support the work on the country's cultural heritage, looking at how to use the creative sector and innovations to strengthen the area. Now, rebuilding some museums and investing in culturally important sites is looking at whether a creative and innovative approach can be used to make them more visible and accessible. Another strong area is the film industry which has been successful for many years. Short films have been a strong area, but recently there has also been an increasing number of feature films. We also have a festival for animation film that engages many young people. Working with animation has provided opportunities to meet and collaborate with international animators and make joint productions.
- In the project that we are now carrying out with, among others, Lund University and Future by Lund, we combine our animation skills with our work with cultural heritage to create something new. We will use the knowledge of Lund University and Future by Lund in how to work with a portfolio methodology, which is a new way of working for Kosovo, but also so that our partners in Sweden find ways to work together for the future. (Read more about the benefits of working with portfolios). I think this new approach can bring a lot of positive benefits to the region.
Recently, it has become possible for residents of Kosovo to travel in Europe without first applying for a visa. What does this mean for the country?
- This means that we can feel free when it comes to travel and we get closer to new ideas and other cultures. Of course, it creates a lot of value. In Kosovo there are many young people who have never been abroad and who have never seen anything else. Now they can visit cities, get inspired and bring new ideas home to Kosovo. Of course, there is also the risk that they will get jobs in other countries and may not return home right away, but we must remember that it is still much better that there are opportunities to travel than that we are isolated.
The project, implemented with the support of Sida, will last in 2024 and the first quarters of 2025. The project is collaborating with Lund University, Future by Lund, UN Habitat, the cultural organisation Anibar and the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo.
More links
Future by Lund and Lund University in unique cooperation in Kosovo
Future by Lund packs innovation portfolios in Kosovo