MOSAIC PROJECT – TOLERANCE AND PEACEBUILDING
Art4Space UK first worked with Svitac (Firefly) and Firefly International in 2013 creating a mosaic logo for the Youth centre with co-director Eli Seath, Art4Space.
Thanks to Firefly International it was possible to return in 2018 to expand the existing links with Svitac (Firefly) and to fulfil further outcomes.
This time Julie Norburn (Art4Space- London UK) worked closely with Ivana Knežić, a local Svitac (Firefly) volunteer four days on a mosaic project as a part of the Summer camps / Creative camp. Ivana processed rigorous training from initial design, how to cut and place the files, grouting and completion. She will now use this skills to inspire further projects for the Brčko community.
The mosaic symbolizes tolerance, peace building and connecting people through art (middle section represents the peace dove and the sun shining around it). It also contains symbols of Brčko (river Sava, catfish other diverse details).The final image shows peace shining all the way through our town, as that is a peace-building mission of Svitac (Firefly). The mosaic is also eco-friendly, because they recycled old, broken tiles and used them as main material, along with glass beads Julie brought from London. Some tiles were handmade by school children Julie works with in UK. On Friday, Julie and Ivana have organized a mosaic workshop for children and young people, explaining them the mosaic work and informing about basics of mosaic art. Later on, local volunteers and children took a part in making of this art piece. Everybody enjoyed working in a team and supporting each other creating a beautiful piece of art. This project was really successful, since there was a very short deadline, but at the same time people have enjoyed their time socializing and making and learning about mosaic art.
There is a hope this stunning mosaic will be enjoyed and admired by many for years to come celebrating culture and art. Julie has extensive experience using visual arts, especially mosaic to create, connect and inspire. This project for Svitac (Firefly) has been a pleasure and she saw young people encouraged to use self-expression and to be actively involved in Svitac (Firefly) activities.
