Subotica – The Center of the World
An enduring question people in Serbia—especially in smaller communities like Subotica—often ask themselves is: should I leave or stay?
The past weekend, and our gathering at Klara i Rosa, showed us that we don’t have to rush to big cities in search of exciting opportunities and experiences. Authentic connection and meaningful creative encounters can happen right here at home, in Subotica.
The visit of nine musicians from South London, who led music workshops for a diverse community and encouraged individuals to express themselves creatively, brought a completely new energy and a fresh experience to the city.
For 33 years, the organization Raw Material Music & Media has been bringing together a wide range of people in its space in Brixton—including those dealing with mental health challenges, loneliness, or depression. Through workshops open even to those without prior musical training, participants are empowered to use their voices, bodies, and instruments to create music and rhythm. This organization, like Klara i Rosa, is part of the global Creative Pioneers network led by the Moleskine Foundation in Milan, which brings together bold individuals and artists who use culture and art to connect communities and spark dialogue across differences.
Research shows that participating in the arts can reduce depression, stress, and even physical pain—almost like medicine. Music, visual art, and dance stimulate physiological and emotional responses that build resilience, improve well-being, and reduce loneliness. Creativity is, in fact, a “forgotten fifth pillar of health,” alongside sleep, nutrition, exercise, and time spent in nature, with measurable benefits for both body and mind. But beyond that, creativity and critical thinking are equally essential for a healthy society and for a proactive approach to shaping better social and political conditions. A healthy, creative, and reflective individual—within a supportive community—is free to create, think, and act.
This past weekend was a unique opportunity, and Klara i Rosa assure us there will be many more chances to stay in Subotica, connect with different cultures, discover more about ourselves, and collectively build spaces of togetherness. In a time marked by alienation and division, what still makes us human is our ability to empathize, create together, and enrich society through our differences.
Take a look how it unfolded.
Author: Gordana Vukov Ciganjik
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