Reconnection
Heartefact’s Reconnection programme is dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation between Serbian and Kosovo societies. Since Heartefact’s establishment, the Reconnection programme has worked to overcome differences and build sustainable connections despite political tensions and ethnic divisions. The programme provides a platform for cultural exchange, theatre productions, book publishing, exhibitions, film projects, conferences, workshops, grants, and various other cultural and educational initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers. Over the past decade and a half, supporting people-to-people connections has been a key component of the programme, pursued through various forms of visits, exchanges, and joint activities.
To date, the programme has supported the exchange of more than 10 theatre productions that toured in Serbia or Kosovo for the first time since the 1998–1999 armed conflict. It has also brought together more than 600 people of different backgrounds and ages, while more than 50 artists have participated in residency programmes. Three books have been translated from Albanian into Serbian, and numerous conferences have been organised to discuss ways of improving relations between the two societies. We are particularly proud of the Kosovo School, a unique Heartefact programme, which was successfully completed by 110 young Serbian and Albanian participants between 2019 and 2022. In addition to its educational component and study visits to Pristina and Belgrade, the Kosovo School resulted in joint publications, youth conferences, and collaborative projects, including the Media Voices initiative, which connected young journalists from Kosovo and Serbia.
The programme currently includes the Kosovo–Serbia Visiting and Fellowship programmes.
In November 2024, the non-governmental organisation Heartefact was established in Kosovo as an independent organisation with a mission to support the Heartefact Regional Network, further strengthening its long-term engagement in the region and its commitment to developing programmes across the Western Balkans. The NGO Heartefact is based in Pristina and will be responsible for artistic, research, and support programmes.
