27 – 30 June, Banja Luka, Socio-Cultural Center Incel and Banja Luka Social Center.

The project Shared Visions: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Cooperative for Visual Artists in Europe is organizing a series of monthly meetings during which we will collectively shape the structure and practices of the future cooperative.

The goal of this cooperative is to mitigate economic disparities between the Balkans/Eastern Europe and Western Europe. The cooperative will be founded in Serbia, but its membership will be international.

At this first meeting in BiH, we will present the idea and draft structure of the cooperative and discuss how it might function – from sources of income for individual members and for the cooperative itself, to democratic governance, collective engagement, pooling of resources, and the formation of internal funds for production, education, and solidarity, among other key questions.

During this workshop, we will especially focus on the exchange between the cooperative and other actors in its environment – what the cooperative, that is, artists and cultural workers, individually and collectively, could offer through monetary and non-monetary circulation of goods, knowledge, and skills to contribute to the well-being of the communities in which they operate.

After discussion in the workshop, selected proposals will be chosen for potential implementation.

Through shared learning and hands-on work, this gathering will deepen our collective understanding of the cooperative model in the arts – and how we can shape it together.

In each of the upcoming meetings, in different locations, we will explore specific aspects in more detail to expand our understanding of how cooperatives can be formed, operate, and make an impact – while also addressing risks and potential failures. Since the founding of the cooperative is planned for 2026, this process will help guide us toward a model that best suits us and future members.

Travel costs for up to 20 participants from BiH (outside Banja Luka) and the Balkan region, as well as accommodation and meals, are covered.

Registration is required by June 20. The workshop is planned for 30 participants (if more people register, a selection will be made and applicants will be notified).

Join us!