Prof. Vladimir Cvetkoski
Head of the Translation and Interpreting Department
Blazhe Koneski Faculty of Philology at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Students, Friends, Buzzers
It is with great pleasure and pride that I address you, following the successful conclusion of the student residency for literary translation, a pivotal component of the “2024 Babylon – New Generation” competition. This initiative, jointly organized by the Delegation of the European Union via Europe House and the Blazhe Koneski Faculty of Philology in Skopje, stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural exchange.
The “2024 Babylon – New Generation” competition is a unique and exciting opportunity for young translators across North Macedonia. Open to all university students under the age of 27, the competition is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate their skills in translating and reflects our belief in the power of translation to bridge cultures, enhance understanding, and preserve the rich tapestry of languages that make up our European heritage.
Our recent residency, held from April 17 to 21, 2024, in the serene village of Radozhda, Struga, was an enriching experience for all involved. During these days, our participants had the privilege of engaging in intensive workshops led by some of the most accomplished translators in our region: Vladimir Jankovski, Marija Girevska, Tatjana Srceva Pavlovska, and Zoran Anchevski. These seasoned professionals guided our students through the intricate art of translating artistic prose and poetry, helping them to refine their skills and deepen their appreciation for the subtleties of literary translation.
This residency was more than just a series of workshops; it was a gathering of minds and hearts dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in translation. It provided our students with invaluable extracurricular professional development and reinforced our shared goal of enhancing the quality of literary translations.
As we move into the next phase of the competition, our candidates will now take on the challenge of translating an excerpt from a carefully selected list of prose titles into their chosen target language. A jury composed of established translators, university professors and writers will evaluate their translations anonymously.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have made this competition possible—the Delegation of the European Union via Europe House, the “Blazhe Koneski” Faculty of Philology, our esteemed workshop instructors, and of course, the students whose passion and dedication are the true driving force behind this initiative.
To our participating students, I wish you the very best as you embark on this next stage of the competition. Your work is a vital contribution to the cultural dialogue within our country and across Europe. May your translations open new doors of understanding and appreciation for the rich diversity of our shared literary heritage.
Thank you.
This is our final newsletter for the year… Aprilililiiiiii 🙂 But don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you! Although it may seem odd to have an April Fool’s joke in May, we want to remind you of all the great things we achieved last month. We had a lot going on, including celebrating World Art Day on April 15th. We took this celebration to all six of our European houses located in the Republic of North Macedonia, and we’re very proud of what we accomplished. We’re also happy to announce that we’re decentralizing our activities and gradually reaching more citizens throughout the country.
Europe House Skopje has launched an exciting new event this year called Student Art Spring. The event brings together various art faculties to celebrate art in all its forms. It provides students with the opportunity to showcase their artistic creations in fields such as music, literature, film, painting, and theatre. The event has acted as a catalyst for further discussions, leading to a series of interdisciplinary lectures, concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. Everyone involved, including students and professors, has been on an interesting journey exploring the diverse forms of art on display.
Fun Fact: Did you know that there were 14 events held during the Student Art Spring from April 11 to 26? Organized by the University Student Assembly at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, this event brought together the talented students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Blaže Koneski Faculty of Philology, and the Faculty of Music.
Europe House Kriva Palanka recently hosted a small art colony on the occasion of World Art Day. The event was a celebration of creativity and self-expression, aimed at helping participants awaken their inner child. Guided by the experienced hand of academic artist Robert Cvetkovski, attendees were encouraged to play with colours and embrace their artistic impulses. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” This sentiment rings especially true in today’s world, where the pressures of modern life can often stifle our creative spirits. By taking the time to tap into their inner child, participants were able to reconnect with their inherent creativity and unlock their full artistic potential. As Picasso also noted, “it took [him] four years to learn how to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”
Fun Fact: Did you know that creating art can help reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression levels? Multiple studies have revealed that engaging in art provides a therapeutic escape for self-expression and processing of feelings. So why not give it a try? Whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpting, let your creativity flow and experience the benefits for yourself!
We recently had an engaging conversation with a group of high school students at Europe House Strumica. The topic of discussion was the power of art and its connection to mental health during the Walking On Thin Lines multimedia exhibition. The renowned psychiatrist, Milijana Kacarska, joined us and provided valuable insights into the challenges young people face. She also shared prevention methods that can help them overcome those challenges. The event was fascinating, with artist Goran Stojčetović presenting his ‘in-depth drawing method’. The students participated in an interactive drawing exercise based on their current psychological and emotional states. They explored and interpreted the meanings behind their drawings, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves. Along with high school students from Jane Sandanski and Slavčo Stojmenski in Strumica and Štip, students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Štip also attended two super-events. It was an inspiring experience that highlighted the importance of art in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Fun Fact: Did you know that around 25% of the global population suffers from mental illness at some point in their lives? According to the World Health Organization, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Although there has been progress in breaking down stereotypes and tackling the stigma associated with mental health problems, individuals who suffer from mental illness are still marginalized and discriminated against. Sadly, mental illness remains shrouded in prejudice.
Are you familiar with cyanotype, an early but rarely used photographic process? In April, a three-day workshop on this very topic was held at Europe House Bitola. The workshop was designed to teach young participants every step of this fascinating process, which encouraged them to unleash their creativity, commitment, and curiosity. Along with ZRNO – the international festival of alternative photography, the participants successfully overcame every challenge of the creative journey and produced breath-taking results. The special feature of this medium is the striking shade of blue that results from exposure to ultraviolet light. The blue photon dance is just a glimpse of what’s to come in May – an exhibition of the works created during the three-day workshop. Don’t miss this opportunity to be amazed and inspired by the wondrous world of cyanotype photography!
Fun Fact: Did you know that a photon is an elementary particle with no mass? It cannot decay on its own, but it can transfer or create energy by interacting with other particles. Photons are electrically neutral and they have a unique property – they are identical to their antiparticle, antiphoton. (Source)
Jazz in the heart of Veles
Europe House Veles, in collaboration with NGO Art Generator, recently celebrated International Jazz Day with an unforgettable night filled with music, education, and art in the heart of Veles. The event featured various activities that highlighted different aspects of jazz culture, ranging from technical skills to musical mastery. Attendees participated in an interactive training session for turntables, designed to improve their analogue skills under the guidance of Marjan Stojnev. Gordan Spasovski’s solo piano concert was a moving experience, showcasing the impact of jazz music. A vinyl party followed, featuring a perfect blend of classic and modern jazz rhythms courtesy of DJ Bojan Petkov-Shamba. The atmosphere was elevated by the visual installations that transformed the space into a multimedia experience.
Fun Fact: Did you know that jazz, a musical genre that originated in the United States, had a significant impact on the European cultural scene? During World War I, American soldiers brought this music to France, where it quickly became popular among the locals. Since then, jazz has continued to inspire new generations of artists across the continent. Its unique style and rhythms have influenced other forms of music, making it a truly universal art form.
The exhibition “Rediscovery” at Europe House Struga was a vibrant showcase of the artistic talent in the region. Featuring 10 established artists, each with their own unique style, it was truly a kaleidoscope of art. From graphic illustrations to virtual reality, drawings to handicrafts made from alternative materials, the exhibition had something for everyone. Gjorgji Krstevski’s video performance collection of poetry was truly captivating, while Goran Ristovski’s piece “Unfolding” showcased the beauty of change and dissolution. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to discover the talented artists of Struga and their incredible creativity. Among these artists were Hristijan Toman, who aims to create a digital synthesis of literary classics through his visual expression, Lida Sherafatmand, a pioneer in the artistic style of “florescence”, and Viktorija Poposka, a versatile artist who works across various techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and space intervention. Milko Nestoroski is the talented creator of The Muses, which are artisan-made statues awarded at the Drim Short Film Festival. Enkel Dika’s artwork is an invitation to explore the boundaries of imagination. Brigida Zuberi is an artist who focuses on the intricate processes of remembering. Biljana Gulevska gives found objects (objet trouvé) a new lease of life through her art and Vjosa Pollozhani’s artwork, Catharsis, portrays the struggles experienced by migrants.
Fun Fact: At Europe House Struga, a new VR corner is now available for visitors. This corner offers an opportunity to experience Pollinator Park, a virtual reality world designed to raise awareness about the alarming decline of pollinators (insects) and its potential consequences on our ecosystem. The experience is both fun and educational, allowing visitors to contemplate the importance of these crucial creatures.
Dear Buzzers,
Thank you for being a part of our community. We are thrilled to have you with us and hope you enjoyed the recent content we shared. Our team has been working hard to bring you even more exciting events this May. We have some exceptional things in store for you as we celebrate EUROPE DAY through entire May. So, please stay tuned for updates and mark your calendars for these engaging events!