Name of the organization: SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola
Website: sferainternational.org
Brief description of the organization
SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola is an NGO from Bitola, North Macedonia which was first formed in 2007 as an informal group and in July 2009 it was registered as an NGO. The general goal of SFERA INTERNATIONAL – Bitola is through non-formal methods to educate the population in North Macedonia about the protection of the environment, cultural and natural heritage, with the purpose to raise the awareness of all age groups about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits that come with it.
Problem addressed by the good practice
The good practice addresses the integration of local minorities and different ethnic groups with the local population.
Target groups
The target group is local artists from different ethnic groups.
Summary of the good practice
The event aimed to use the love for art to promote the inclusion of minorities in local communities and the lack of involvement and participation of minorities in local activities, the lack of opportunity for artists that come from different minority groups, the needs for safe space, and the stigmatization of minorities in the community. The event “Coffee with Artists” was held at one club in Bitola, where SFERA invited artists belonging to the minority groups living in Bitola and Macedonian locals. The point was to spend the time together, have discussions, and through informal methods sharing each other’s cultures and experiences about art in Bitola, and the feeling of being part of a minority group.
Evaluation
SFERA evaluated the activity on the spot, the people who were present gave great feedback for the event.
Recommendations
SFERA had 5 different artists for this event and the team would recommend using the method World Café so the participants will have the chance to meet all the artists.
Resources
The World Café methodology is available on this link.