CHANGE, 2026

CHANGE is a project for children and young people aged 12 to 16, exploring the (trans)formative potentials and challenges of adolescence. The project takes place in Bjelovar, Zagreb and Umag and is implemented in partnership with SHOOMA, Hrabri telefon (Brave Phone), I. Primary School Bjelovar, mental health professionals from the Bjelovar-Bilogora County branch of the Family Centre, and the Fobija Youth Cultural Association from Umag.

As adolescence is often a crucial period for mental health later in life, while also being marked by numerous social prejudices and myths, the project's artistic and cultural activities focus on highlighting the positive potentials of this developmental period, normalising change, and fostering empathy and dialogue with adolescents.

Through interdisciplinary and inter-city collaborations, the project aims to positively contribute to the mental health and well-being of children and young people and, in the long term, to the wider community.

PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

The central element of the project is the performance Change, developed as a co-production between SHOOMA and Music Biennale Zagreb (Croatian Composers' Society).

The performance is characterised by a hybrid format that brings together different forms: theatre and concert, original poetry and rap, music and contemporary dance, costume design and sculptural form. Aesthetically combining the energy of pop culture and a party atmosphere with the abstract layers of contemporary dance language and the performer's poetic personal texts, Change creates a safe space that encourages young audiences to freely explore their inner world, questions of identity and/or their relationship with their surroundings.

The artistic development of the performance includes consultation with psychologists from Brave Phone, who attend rehearsals and follow the creative process.

The performance is directed and choreographed by Irma Unušić, with Una Štalcar-Furač as choreographic collaborator. Espi Tomičić is the dramaturg, Ana Fucijaš the costume designer, Andrija Santro the lighting designer, and Ivan Marojević and Filip Merčep the co-composers. The lyrics are written and performed by Vanesa Petrac.

PARTICIPATORY PROGRAMME

The artistic process behind the performance is based on a collective and process-oriented approach and actively involves young audiences in its development. Focus groups of children and young people in Bjelovar attend rehearsals and, through participatory activities, reflect on what they see and provide feedback that informs the further direction of the creative process.

DISCUSSION AND WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Through post-performance discussions, children and young people have an opportunity to share their impressions and responses to the performance. Creative and experience workshops, held in small groups, offer participants new experiences and introduce them to the building blocks of the performance, which they can then use as a starting point for creative exploration of emotions and topics that matter to them, in a safe and supportive environment.

A MOVING BOOKLET

A Moving Booklet is an art and educational publication combining poetic and visual content with an expert text by collaborators from the Family Centre in Bjelovar. Based on positive guidance and practical advice for children, young people and the adults in their lives, the booklet encourages adults and children to explore the themes raised by the performance together and to continue the conversation beyond it.