By Nikolija Zlatevska (YES 2022-2023, North Macedonia, placed by PAX in Rogers, AR)

My exchange year in the U.S. taught me that projects centered on creativity and cultural expression can have a lasting impact on society. It sparked in me a passion for initiating events that allow others to share their talents and ideas, while addressing some of the pressing issues in my community.

After returning home, I noticed that although my community is rich in talent and creativity, there are few platforms for young people to express themselves. This is especially true in Skopje, where there is a lack of opportunities for youth to showcase their talent in art, music, and performance. In a place filled with vibrant culture and passionate individuals, the lack of creative spaces for people to freely express themselves was concerning. I wanted to address this by creating an event that would give young painters, musicians, dancers, poets, and other creative people a stage to shine and contribute to the city's cultural life.

This realization led me to organize the Skopje Creative Fest, an event designed to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for emerging artists, including those with disabilities. Skopje is a city filled with potential. While there are challenges, there is also a deep sense of community and a desire for positive change. I wanted to tap into that positive energy and help amplify it through the festival.

Last year, we organized the first edition of the festival, starting modestly with only 15 performers. This year, thanks to the support of a YES Alumni Grant and the hard work of our team, it grew exponentially, featuring more than 70 performers, ranging from musicians to poets to visual artists. The festival was a massive collaborative effort. We partnered with local organizations like American Corner Skopje and Volunteer Center Skopje, who share our vision of a more culturally vibrant community. At the event, YES alumni staffed an information booth offering flyers with program information and a link to the application, giving attendees the chance to sign up to receive program updates on the spot. Alumni volunteers shared their exchange experiences and answered questions about the program. The American Corner also had an information booth to share details about the services and opportunities they offer. Other event partners had booths to showcase their artwork or business information.

More than 800 young people, eager for a platform to showcase their talents, attended the event, and many expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity. This project was not just about giving them a creative space; it was about providing a sense of belonging and recognition.

One participant noted, “This festival gave me the courage to perform for the first time. I’ve never felt more supported by my community.”

The long-term hope for this project is to make Skopje Creative Fest an annual event that continues to grow and evolve. My vision is for it to eventually become a multi-day festival that hosts workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions in addition to performances. This way, we can offer even more opportunities for young artists to learn, connect, and develop their skills.

On a personal level, organizing this project has been a fulfilling learning experience. It taught me how to navigate the complexities of event planning, fundraising, and teamwork. I am grateful to my project team and fellow alumnae – Isidora Stefanoska, Emilija Krstevska, and Tara Dzeladin – for their relentless dedication to making the festival a success. Their creativity and passion inspired me every step of the way.

Thank you to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, for sponsoring the YES program and giving me the tools and resources to make this project a reality. I also extend my thanks to my placement organization PAX and all the organizations and community members who supported this effort. Together, we are building a more creative, connected, and empowered community in Skopje. Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the YES program, which continues to impact my life long after my exchange year.

Isidora Stefanoska (YES 2021-2022, North Macedonia, placed by CIEE in Kansas City, MO)
Emilija Krstevska (YES 2021-2022, North Macedonia, placed by Aspect in Olympia, WA)
Tara Dzeladin (YES 2023-2024, North Macedonia, placed by AFS in Falls Village, CT)