The Diachronic Counterpoint project is a cross-border cultural initiative with the focus on promoting female artistic voices and strengthening co-production between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Through a series of concerts, book promotions, and interdisciplinary collaborations, the project supports innovative artistic expression and highlights the contribution of women in music and literature.
At the heart of the project was the creation of new interdisciplinary works that connect literature and music. Five art music concerts were held, each paired with an ekphrastic text, literary pieces that interpret and respond to the musical performances. In parallel, five book promotions also took place, each enriched with live musical responses that create a more immersive experience for audiences. These events were open to the public and actively promoted through the media, making the arts more accessible and inviting wider public engagement.
The project involved eleven artists from both countries and was supported by a strong network of partners, including public institutions, private companies, and civil society organisations. A dedicated media campaign was implemented alongside the artistic programme, aiming to amplify the project's messages, showcase its creative outcomes, and expand its reach both locally and regionally.
One of the project’s greatest successes has been its ability not only to integrate music and literature, but to do that in a way that resonated deeply with both audiences and artists. Audiences described the performances as immersive and intellectually engaging, highlighting the emotional connection sparked by the blend of sound and text. To better understand its impact, the project team included QR-coded feedback links in concert programmes and bookmarks at book events, gathering insights directly from the public.
The feedback confirmed a high level of audience appreciation and engagement, while also offering valuable guidance for future programming. Artists, too, described the project as a rare opportunity for creative exploration—one that challenged them to reimagine their work in new interdisciplinary formats and inspired them to expand beyond traditional modes of performance and storytelling.
The project has also deepened cross-border collaboration, creating lasting connections between musicians, writers, and cultural institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. The collaborative process was described by participants as personally and professionally meaningful, sparking artistic dialogue and new ways of working.
Implementing partners: Association “SA Sinfonietta” (BiH) and Association "Hila" (SER).
The Diachronic Counterpoint project is supported by the British Council through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” project, funded by the European Union. CC4WBs aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.