On November 1, 2024, Association Tavan organised an exhibition “Naši Identiteti” (Our Identities), as part of their impactful project “Izađi iz svoje kutije” (Step Out of Your Box). Supported by the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 – ReLOaD2 funded by the European union and implemented by the UNDP, with Centar Municipality co-funding, this project is dedicated to challenging societal norms, raising awareness, and reducing mental health stigma
Our Identities exhibition represents a significant social and cultural achievement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project began as a series of five workshops between May and October 2024, engaging 37 participants with lived mental health experiences alongside mental health professionals, fostering an environment where art became both a medium of self-discovery and a voice of advocacy. The collaborative, therapeutic process resulted in 24 evocative artworks using photography, collage, storytelling, and mixed media, each piece narrating resilience, introspection, and transformation, serving as a deeply personal expression of identity shaped by mental health journeys.
The exhibition welcomed a broad audience, including mental health advocates, artists, students, and the public. Attendees were invited to experience the complexity of mental health through the artwork itself and through the personal journeys reflected in each piece. The Bosnia’s Historical Museum hosted the exhibition whichadded weight to this meaningful dialogue, framing the conversation within the broader narrative of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own complex identity and resilience. This context amplifies the exhibit’s power, making it more than an art show—it is a call to recognize mental health as integral to our understanding of human dignity and community.
Visitors left with more than appreciation for art; they carried with them an understanding of the humanity behind mental health challenges. As each piece subtly dismantles preconceived notions about mental health, the exhibition emphasizes how art can foster a shift from stigma to acceptance, moving society toward inclusion. This event, under Tavan’s vision, highlighted that individuals should not be defined by their struggles but embraced for their full stories, talents, and capacities.
With this exhibition, Tavan not only advances its mission but establishes a benchmark for future projects aiming to bridge mental health and societal acceptance. This profound collection of work signifies a milestone in redefining mental health awareness in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ensuring that mental health is viewed not as a barrier but as an intrinsic aspect of our identities deserving of dignity and empathy.
The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.
Source: Volunteering creates opportunities for small communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina | UNV
