ANIMATION OF ONE COMUNITY
Anibar is committed to breaking civic apathy through cultural activism.
Ilustration by: Argjira Kukaj
Any activity that has opposed the conservative mentality in our cities has been presented as an activist initiative. By which it is intended to change the norms or to oppose the violations that have been committed against the public space, human rights, environment and other public goods. Anibar has taken on this role in the city of Peja, as an organization composed of artists who are committed to breaking civic apathy through cultural activism. Initially as a response to the lack of cultural activity in the city of Peja, starting the international animated film festival and later as an organization for the liberation of the public and the revitalization of public resources.
Throughout its 10 years of existence as a formal organization, Anibar has continually reshaped itself to meet the needs of the community and make our cities more livable to all. Commitment to the common good has come in the form of campaigns, public interventions, petitions, performances and other tools which have been used to raise civic awareness and increase activism. This commitment is usually driven primarily by two factors; one external and the other internal. This outsider as a violator of public activity, violator of rights and freedoms, violator of public space, but also presented for the private interest or of a small group of individuals. Whereas, the inner as zeal to advance, zeal to advance the activity (in this case animation), zeal to increase the access and involvement of other groups, zeal to develop new methods for participation in governance but also to network with organizations and other cultural centers that have the same values.
The influence of these two factors can also be seen in the theme of the last edition of the Anibar festival – Hopes and Fears. The hope that comes with the commitment to progress, to increase the number of animators, to show films to minority communities, to educate the new generation of animators. The fear, which comes with the violation of public space, the privatization of the cinema, the flight of young people from the country, the placement of Lumbardh in pipes and the violation of human rights.
In the last edition of the festival we agreed that only by exploring and discussing these fears and hopes can we foster commitment. A commitment that pushes us to deal with the growing indifference in the face of challenges that are threatening not only our civilization but also our existence. A commitment that pushes us to improve our individual and joint actions.
What we have come to realize over the last few years of activism is that this balance between activism as a form of opposition to violating the space to act (associated with fear) and activism as a form of progress (associated with hope) has for the community to shape itself in the face of challenges and show solidarity and commitment to improve the situation.
Therefore, Anibar will continue to engage in breaking civic apathy through cultural activism for years to come until we have cities livable to all.
About the author: Anibar is an organization founded by a group of young promising art activists, who have demonstrated their vision and capabilities from the onset of the organization’s activities.
