Supporting Social Inclusion Through Art
Naš most Zenica is a non-profit organization based in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, dedicated to supporting the social inclusion of vulnerable groups—such as older people, women, individuals with disabilities, and children—through art and culture. Composed primarily of volunteers, many of whom are retirees who began exploring their creativity after retiring, our association is one of the country's most active promoters of healthy aging through art.
We have established various local and international art-focused initiatives in partnership with cultural organisations from all over Europe. Our partners and friends are the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship Switzerland, Insha Osvita Ukraine, Kino Úsmev Slovakia, Art Aparat Serbia, Artistic Union Vlaho Bukovac Croatia, Ecumenical Women's Initiative Croatia, MitOst e.v. Germany, Bosch Alumni Network Germany, Allargo Pannonia Italy, La Terra Nostra Foundation Switzerland, Lokalna Fondacija Zenica, the City of Zenica, the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton and many other institutions and organizations.
Arts and Crafts Workshops
We offer a variety of arts and crafts workshops to older persons, women, individuals with disabilities, and children. Participants learn new skills, create beautiful art, and have the opportunity to showcase their work to the public at our Može Bazaars, which are monthly open-air arts and crafts fairs held in the center of Zenica. Our activities provide a supportive environment, and we assist our members in promoting and selling their creations through our social media campaigns.
Creative Initiatives for Healthy Aging
Our activities for healthy aging emphasize the transformative power of art and creative socialization. These programs are designed to engage older adults in various art forms, fostering new connections, personal growth, and self-expression. One of our signature programs is the Iron Painting Programme, which has empowered many older women to explore their creativity through the unique technique of painting with clothes irons and wax.
Art Exhibitions of Our Members
Our art gallery, located in the heart of Zenica, showcases hundreds of artworks—including paintings, souvenirs, sculptures, and hand-dyed clothing—crafted by members of our associations, which include older persons, individuals with disabilities, and children who participate in our arts and crafts workshops. This permanent collection is continually updated with new pieces. Additionally, we welcome other artists and their projects to use our space, provided they align with our values and principles.
International Promotion of Local Artisans
As the ambassador of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship in Switzerland, Naš most Zenica is proud to support the representation of artisans from Bosnia and Herzegovina on HomoFaber.com, the global online platform promoting craftsmanship worldwide. To date, we have facilitated the introduction of over twenty Bosnian-Herzegovinian artisans to an international audience.
So far, we have received numerous