Barabar Centre, a joint initiative by Integra from Pristina and NGO CASA from North Mitrovica, has celebrated its second anniversary.
Located in the Grand Hotel in Pristina, Barabar was conceived as a safe space for dialogue, art, and mutual understanding among communities in Kosovo. Over the past two years, the centre has hosted numerous theatre performances, exhibitions, literary evenings, and debates, becoming a symbol of openness and togetherness.
The anniversary event featured remarks by representatives of the founding organisations, as well as the Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh, who reflected on the modest beginnings of the idea and the importance of having a space for genuine conversation.
“Kushtrim and Miki had a dream, and the courage to share it with us. We listened, reflected, considered. You envisioned a space. And all you needed was – a room. Not a grand hall, not a polished venue, but a room in the Grand Hotel in Pristina, right here where we are today. We are in that room – the kind of room whose walls still echo with the past, with mistrust and missed opportunities. But thanks to your efforts, something else began – a conversation. A conversation that was not easy. It had pauses, doubts, uncomfortable silences, but it was real. Serbs and Albanians, members of other communities in Kosovo, young and old, artists, activists, community leaders, and renowned actresses – they all gathered,” said Ziadeh.
Miodrag Marinković, Executive Director of NGO CASA, noted that the interest in the centre had exceeded all expectations, while Integra’s Director, Kushtrim Kolliqi, emphasised that Barabar now belongs to all those who believe that change begins with listening and showing up.
We thank everyone who has supported our work and believed in the vision of dialogue and shared space. We look forward to the years ahead, to new encounters, and to further opportunities for connection.
