The Centre for Support and Inclusion – Help Net is implementing the project “The Stage Is Yours!”, dedicated to fostering creativity, artistic talent and the active participation of children and young people in the cultural life of their local community. The project is being implemented in the Municipality of Savski Venac, with financial support from the Youth Office of the Municipality of Savski Venac, from February to December 2026. It comprises a range of free cultural, educational and artistic programmes, workshops, competitions, performances and exhibitions.
Based on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover, develop and showcase their abilities, the project “The Stage Is Yours!” creates space for creativity, social interaction, learning and self-expression in front of an audience. By bringing together educational institutions, civil society organisations, cultural institutions and the local community, the programme seeks to make cultural and educational activities more accessible to the youngest residents of Savski Venac.
The project is built around a simple but important message: art, culture and creative education should not be a privilege, but an opportunity available to every child, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Culture and Creativity as a Right of Every Child
Modern lifestyles, the rising cost of cultural activities and the increasing commercialisation of programmes for children and young people have contributed to reduced access to free extracurricular activities. Schools play a vital role in children’s education and development, but opportunities for artistic expression, creative experimentation and further learning often extend beyond the scope of the regular curriculum.
One of the important responsibilities of the local community is therefore to create new opportunities for children and young people to spend their free time in a meaningful and enriching way, in cooperation with civil society organisations and cultural institutions.
The child’s right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities, and to participate in cultural and artistic life is recognised in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The project “The Stage Is Yours!” is based on these principles, as well as on the broader concept of children’s rights, which encompasses freedom of expression, respect for children’s views, access to information, education aimed at developing their personalities and abilities, and opportunities to participate actively in community life.
In this sense, culture is much more than entertainment. It is an important tool for education, socialisation, inclusion and building self-confidence.
When a child has the opportunity to write a poem, draw a caricature, perform in front of an audience, learn acting skills or participate in a music competition, they simultaneously develop a range of abilities that extend beyond artistic creation, including communication, independence, critical thinking, empathy, discipline, teamwork and responsibility.
The project therefore seeks to provide children and young people in Savski Venac with a wide variety of opportunities to discover the fields in which they can express themselves and fulfil their potential.
A Diverse Programme of Artistic and Educational Activities
Throughout 2026, the project encompasses a series of interconnected activities in drama, music, literature and visual arts.
The programme has been designed to accommodate children’s different interests and age groups while also encouraging the participation of parents, teachers and other members of the local community.
A particular strength of the project is that it is not limited to a single form of artistic expression. Instead, children are given the opportunity to explore different disciplines, discover their own interests and gain new experiences.
The project activities were developed and subsequently implemented in cooperation with the Association Friends of Children of Savski Venac. Its long-standing associates have made an enormous contribution through their experience of working with children.
Traditional activities developed over several decades by the Association, as part of the network of municipal Friends of Children associations, have been enriched with new content. The Help Net team has contributed to this development in cooperation with cultural professionals, associates of Teatar Zmaj, the first municipal children’s theatre in Savski Venac, and drama educators who have been active in Belgrade for many years.
The intention has been to build on existing initiatives rather than overlook them, preserving established traditions while expanding them with new content. The resulting programme combines traditional and innovative approaches and includes the following activities:
- Educational drama workshops and the preparation of a theatre performance.
- Music competitions in instrumental and vocal categories.
- A children’s caricature competition and exhibitions of children’s artwork.
- Young poets’ and reciters’ competitions.
- Special creative workshops and exhibitions during Children’s Week.
“Wake the Dragon!” – Drama Workshops as an Opportunity to Take the First Steps in Acting
One of the project’s most important components is dedicated to drama and working with children and young people who are interested in theatre.
Through the special promotional campaign “Wake the Dragon!”, the project aims to attract and bring together a new generation of young actors, encourage their creativity and contribute to the further development of Teatar Zmaj.
The drama workshops are intended for children and young people aged 10 to 15.
During the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge and skills for amateur acting, explore theatrical expression and develop their public speaking and performance abilities.
Through practical work, exercises and collaborative creative activities, young participants will develop their speaking skills, stage confidence, concentration, imagination and ability to work with others.
Working as a group is particularly important, as theatre requires mutual trust, listening to others, respecting different ideas and sharing responsibility for the final result.
The work with participants is intended to contribute to the preparation and staging of a theatre performance, either within the current project cycle or through the continuation of activities in the following period.
In this way, “Wake the Dragon!” is conceived not merely as a short-term educational programme, but also as an opportunity for young people to become involved in the theatrical life of their local community over the longer term.
The performance is expected to attract an audience of approximately 100–200 residents of Savski Venac, while promotional activities in schools and the media will enable a considerably larger number of children, parents and other interested residents to learn about the programme.
Music as a Space for Talent Development and Building Self-Confidence
Music competitions in instrumental and vocal categories form part of the municipal-level competition, whose winners may qualify for the Children’s Music Festival (Dečje muzičke svečanosti), organised at city level by Friends of Children of Belgrade and the Children’s Cultural Centre.
The municipal-level competition for Savski Venac is organised by Friends of Children of Savski Venac. Under this project, the municipal stage of the competition within the territory of Savski Venac receives administrative and technical support.
A significant part of the project is dedicated to musical creativity and providing young talents with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
The competition is designed to identify and support children who show an interest in and aptitude for music, while also encouraging them to continue developing their skills.
For young musicians, performing in public is a valuable experience. In addition to musical knowledge, it requires preparation, commitment, managing stage fright, concentration and the ability to present one’s work to others.
For this reason, the programme also has a broader educational value.
The competitive nature of the activity is intended to motivate participants to develop their abilities while promoting mutual respect, encouragement and appreciation of different levels of experience and skill.
At the same time, such events enable families, teachers and the wider public to recognise the potential of young artists.
Visual Arts – Children’s Caricatures and Art Exhibitions
The visual arts component of the project includes a municipal competition for the best children’s caricature, organised in cooperation with the Majdan Children’s Cultural Centre, as well as exhibitions showcasing children’s artwork.
Caricature is an engaging form of visual expression that combines artistic skill, imagination, humour and the ability to observe the world.
By creating caricatures, children can develop their creativity, visual communication skills, powers of observation and ability to convey an idea or message in an original way.
Visual art is particularly important because it provides opportunities for expression even when thoughts and feelings are difficult to put into words.
Exhibitions of children’s work offer additional value by bringing the creativity of the youngest members of the community to public attention and making it a visible part of the municipality’s cultural life.
For a child, exhibiting their work is an experience of recognition and encouragement. For parents, teachers and other visitors, such events provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the creative world of young people.
The competition for the best children’s caricature is also a long-standing programme of Friends of Children of Serbia. At municipal level, the competition in Savski Venac is organised by Friends of Children of Savski Venac, with administrative and technical support provided through this project for the municipal stage within the territory of Savski Venac.
Young Poets and Reciters – Encouraging a Love of Language and Literature
The project pays particular attention to promoting the Serbian language, literature and creative expression.
Through competitions for young poets and reciters, children will have the opportunity to develop their language skills, creative thinking and ability to express their thoughts and feelings.
The young poets’ competition aims to encourage original literary creation and inspire children to explore themes that matter to them through the written word.
Writing poetry is a distinctive form of personal expression. It allows children to develop a feel for language, rhythm, symbolism and meaning, while also enabling them to speak creatively about themselves, their surroundings, friendship, family and the world in which they are growing up.
The recitation competition, meanwhile, offers opportunities to develop verbal expression, expressive reading, literary interpretation and public performance skills.
Both activities play an important role in connecting education and culture and fostering a positive relationship with books and literary creativity.
By encouraging children to present their own poems and interpretations of literary works in public, the project helps strengthen their self-confidence and reinforces the message that their opinions, talents and creativity deserve attention.
The young reciters’ competition is another established programme organised at municipal level by Friends of Children of Savski Venac. Through this project, the municipal stage within the territory of Savski Venac receives administrative and technical support.
The competition forms part of the renowned recitation festival Pesniče naroda mog (“Poet of My People”), accredited by the Ministry of Education. At national level, the festival is organised by the Union of Amateur Arts Associations of Serbia in cooperation with cultural centres, while in Belgrade it is organised through cooperation between Friends of Children of Belgrade and the Association of Cultural and Artistic Societies of Belgrade.
The young poets’ competition is likewise organised at municipal level by Friends of Children of Savski Venac, with administrative and technical support from this project for the municipal stage in Savski Venac.
The programme has also been enriched with special workshops during Children’s Week, when children will have the opportunity to learn the technique of writing acrostic poems through individual and group work. Exhibitions of children’s artwork will complement these activities, contributing to the celebratory and festival atmosphere in which children’s creativity is showcased during Children’s Week.
Each activity has its own educational and developmental value, while bringing them together within a unified programme contributes to a richer cultural offering throughout Savski Venac.
Children’s Week – Showcasing Talents to a Wider Audience
Activities planned for Children’s Week hold a special place within the project. During this period, children’s creativity will be presented through exhibitions, stage performances, showcase events and demonstrations.
These events are designed to make the results of artistic and educational activities accessible to a wider audience and to highlight the importance of children’s participation in the cultural life of their community.
Children’s Week provides an appropriate framework for promoting children’s rights, including the rights to play, culture, education and freedom of expression. In this context, exhibitions, performances and theatrical productions are not merely final events marking the completion of individual activities; they are also an opportunity for the local community to demonstrate the importance of investing in the development of children and young people.
By enabling audiences to encounter children’s creative work directly, the project seeks to encourage greater public interest in cultural programmes for younger generations.
At national level, Children’s Week has been organised every year during the first full week of October at the initiative of Friends of Children of Serbia. It is now a legally recognised event that has been organised at both local and national levels for several decades.
The project team considered it important that the programme should not overlook such a meaningful and valuable occasion, and that its activities should contribute to its celebration.
A Project for Different Age Groups and Generations
One of the defining characteristics of “The Stage Is Yours!” is its openness to children of different ages.
While the drama workshops are intended for children and young people aged 10 to 15, other activities cover a broader population of children aged 3 to 18.
The competitive programmes are primarily intended for participants aged 6 to 18, depending on the field and nature of each activity.
However, the project’s impact extends beyond its direct participants.
Parents, siblings, friends, peers, teachers, neighbours and other residents will have opportunities to attend events, watch performances and support young creators.
In this way, the programme also acquires an intergenerational dimension, creating opportunities for people of different ages to meet, connect and share cultural experiences.
According to project estimates, approximately 1,000 residents of Savski Venac are expected to be reached directly through competitions, showcase events, demonstrations and exhibitions.
Teachers and Schools as Key Partners in Developing Children’s Talents
The project recognises educational institutions and teaching professionals as particularly important partners in supporting the development of children and young people.
Teachers are often the first to recognise pupils’ interests, aptitudes and talents, which gives them a significant role in guiding children towards additional educational and cultural activities.
The project plans to involve approximately 50 primary and secondary school teachers from Savski Venac directly, while seeking to establish cooperation at institutional level with primary and secondary schools throughout the municipality.
By informing pupils, presenting the available activities and cooperating in the organisation of individual programmes, schools can help make cultural opportunities more accessible and encourage the participation of children with a wide range of interests.
At the same time, the project seeks to motivate teachers to provide additional support for extracurricular programmes, which are an important complement to formal education.
Connecting the school system with cultural institutions and civil society organisations creates opportunities for sustained work with talented children, the development of new programmes and the exchange of experience among professionals working with young people.
Cooperation Between the Local Community, Cultural Institutions and Civil Society
Bringing together the different stakeholders involved in the cultural, educational and social life of Savski Venac is particularly important for achieving the project’s objectives.
The project concept identifies a range of institutions and venues that can contribute to cultural activities, including Friends of Children of Savski Venac, the Majdan Children’s Cultural Centre, the House of King Peter, Teatar Zmaj, the Czech House, primary and secondary schools, and other associations operating within the municipality.
Establishing and strengthening cooperation among these stakeholders enables better use of existing cultural and educational resources, greater visibility for programmes and the creation of a more supportive environment for the development of children and young people.
The local community has a particularly important role in ensuring access to cultural activities, since it is at the local level that opportunities for residents to participate directly are created.
“The Stage Is Yours!” is based on the idea that civil society organisations, schools and cultural institutions can work together to develop programmes that respond to the actual needs of children and families.
An important aspect of this cooperation is the potential to continue some activities after the project period has ended.
Expected Results – More Opportunities, More Talents and a Richer Cultural Offer
“The Stage Is Yours!” sets concrete objectives both in terms of organising cultural events and in terms of their longer-term impact on children and the local community.
A range of positive educational and social outcomes is expected.
By participating in the programmes, children will have opportunities to improve their creative, communication and social skills, build self-confidence, broaden their interests and make new friends.
The project also aims to encourage greater participation by children in the social life of the municipality, particularly through public performances, exhibitions and other activities that enable them to take an active role in creating cultural content.
At the same time, the project seeks to increase public interest in local cultural events and further strengthen cooperation between educational institutions, civil society organisations and cultural institutions.
One of the important expected outcomes is the strengthening of Teatar Zmaj through the recruitment of new young actors and the development of its audience.
Long-Term Impact – Investing in Culture Means Investing in the Future
Although the project activities are being implemented within a time-limited cycle, their expected impact extends beyond the duration of the programme itself.
Developing talents, acquiring new skills and gaining experience of performing in public can provide important encouragement for further education, artistic development and more active participation in cultural life.
It is particularly important that the project creates opportunities for children who may not previously have had access to additional cultural and artistic programmes.
By offering free participation, the project reduces financial barriers to accessing high-quality activities and promotes greater equality of opportunity.
The project’s long-term value also lies in fostering an understanding that children and young people are not merely audiences at cultural events; they can also be their active creators.
Their ideas, poems, drawings, performances and theatrical productions enrich the cultural life of the community and help create an environment in which children’s voices are heard and their creativity recognised and valued.
The project also contributes to strengthening the profile of Savski Venac as a local community that recognises the needs of its youngest residents and encourages their active participation in social and cultural life.
In this way, cultural and educational activities become part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life of children, young people and their families.
Help Net – Supporting the Development of Children and Young People Through Culture, Education and Inclusion
Through the implementation of “The Stage Is Yours!”, the Centre for Support and Inclusion – Help Net continues to promote the importance of accessible educational, cultural and developmental opportunities for children and young people.
At the heart of the project is the conviction that every child has the right to an environment that supports their development, respects their individuality and enables them to discover and express their potential.
Through free workshops, competitions, artistic performances and public events, Help Net seeks to bring together children, parents, teachers, cultural institutions and the local community around a shared goal: creating better conditions for the growth and development of younger generations.
The project “The Stage Is Yours!” is being implemented from February to December 2026 in the Municipality of Savski Venac.
At the centre of all activities is the child, with their talents, interests and ideas, and their right to participate actively in cultural and social life.
Because every child has something to say, show or create. All they need is an opportunity.
The Stage Is Yours!