I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. I am beyond honoured and excited to announce that I have been selected as one of the winning applicants for a project proposal that I pitched earlier this year to the Kosovan Ministry for Culture, Youth, and Sports.
My project, titled “Etnofoto,” has received a grant of β¬10,500 to capture and celebrate the traditional costumes of various ethnic communities in Kosovo.
“Etnofoto” is not just a photography project; it’s a journey to document, preserve, and showcase the diverse traditional outfits of the Albanian majority, as well as the Serbian, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian, Turkish, and Bosniak communities in Kosovo. These costumes represent an integral part of our shared cultural heritage within the beautiful state of Kosovo.
Initially, my proposal outlined plans to cover regions including Prizren, Gjakova, Peja, Mitrovica, Pristina, Ferizaj, and Gjilan over a span of four months. However, with the adjusted budget, I will now be focusing intensively on Prizren, Mitrovica, and Gjilan over a two-month period. Despite this, my dedication and passion for the project remain steadfast.
The core objective of “Etnofoto” is to bridge a gap I observed in the representation of these traditional costumes in the digital and online realm, particularly in the English language. These beautiful pieces of our cultural mosaic are rarely showcased in a way that resonates with global audiences. My aim is to change that by capturing the intricate details of these costumes and presenting them in a visually compelling manner.
Through “Etnofoto,” I hope to not only capture the beauty of these costumes but also to promote our cultural heritage, particularly the spiritual aspects that unite all communities within the Republic of Kosovo. This project will result in a comprehensive archive of photographs, ensuring the preservation of our cultural and traditional legacy for generations to come.
I am deeply moved by the opportunity to collaborate with families from various ethnic backgrounds, spanning different age groups and genders. The elderly members of our communities, in particular, hold a wealth of knowledge and memories related to these traditional outfits. Their stories and insights are invaluable in understanding the significance of each piece.
Additionally, I will be working closely with local photographers and photography studios that possess their own archives. This collaboration will further enrich the project, adding layers of depth and authenticity to the collection of photographs.
I invite you all to follow my journey as I embark on this incredible endeavour. “Etnofoto” is not just about photographs; it’s about capturing the essence of our cultural identity, sharing it with the world, and ensuring that our traditions continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
For more information and updates on the project, please visit my website or feel free to reach out to me directly.
Transparency is paramount to the success of the #EtnofotoProject.
The sponsorship is already confirmed, and I am committed to complete financial openness. All reports will be published, offering a comprehensive view of fund allocation and project progress. Your trust and support fuel this endeavour!Β π π
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