The project “The Culture is cool: Cultivating the diversity of cultures – the basis for a common future” (project no. 101276804) was implemented with the support of the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. It was coordinated by Društvo za razvijanje prostovoljnega dela Novo mesto (Slovenia). The other partners were:
- Centre for Support of Local and Regional Development CEP (Montenegro)
- DANUBE 1245 (Serbia)
- Local Action Group Prigorje-Zagorje (Croatia)
- Nyugat-Pannon Regional and Economic Development Nonprofit Ltd. (Hungary)
- Association of Slovenians “Triglav” (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Municipality of Soriano nel Cimino (Italy)
The project promoted intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and European values. It brought together young people, citizens, civil society organisations and local authorities from four EU Member States and three candidate countries.
Local youth workshops
Each partner organised a local workshop under the common title “The Culture is cool”, focusing on a different theme:
- Montenegro – Basics of Intercultural Dialogue
- Serbia – Stereotypes Under the Microscope
- Croatia – Different Cultures, Shared Experiences (intangible heritage through food and music)
- Italy – Human Rights and Migration
- Slovenia – The Digital World and Interculturality (online hate speech and digital activism)
- Hungary – Tradition Meets Modern (traditions and youth subcultures)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – Green Diversity (Eco-Cultures)
All workshops followed a common structure of icebreakers, interactive games, quizzes, simulations or role-plays, and evaluation. This allowed young people to learn through their own experience.
International conference in Novo mesto, 18–20 June 2026
The central event gathered 291 participants from seven countries. Its programme included:
- a plenary session “Nurturing cultural diversity – the foundation of a shared future”;
- interactive workshops “Overcoming Stereotypes and Promoting European Solidarity Through Culture” and “The Power of Art in Intercultural Dialogue”;
- an exchange of best practices between partners;
- a strategic workshop on planning future joint initiatives and project sustainability;
- participation in the Week of Cultures, a public festival of intercultural, artistic and culinary experiences on the main square of Novo mesto, with an international market, music and dance;
- a guided visit to the Dolenjska Museum;
- an evaluation and conclusions session.
The conference concluded on 20 June 2026 on the Rudolf raft on the Krka River. There, all seven partners signed a Memorandum of Cooperation committing them to future joint initiatives and long-term cooperation.
Multiplier events and dissemination
After the conference, partners shared the project results in their local communities through multiplier events, websites, social media and local media. The multiplier event in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, on 4 September 2026 brought together 51 participants from Serbia and Slovenia.
The project showed that cultural diversity is not a barrier but a source of strength, creativity and solidarity. Detailed information about the activities, venues, dates and participants is available in the Event Description Sheet below.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
EDS form: https://www.lag-prizag.hr/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Event-Description-Sheet_Culture-is-cool.pdf
