Make Music Not War vol. 4 - A Harmonious Journey Towards Peace

From April 21st until May 2nd, 2025, the serene town of Garlstedt near Bremen, Germany, became a vibrant hub of musical collaboration and cultural exchange. The fourth edition of the Erasmus+ youth exchange project, „Make Music Not War,“ brought together 50 young musicians and media enthusiasts from across Europe to create songs that convey messages of peace and unity.

Organized by NaturKultur e.V., this initiative aims to foster reconciliation and understanding among youth from regions with histories of conflict. Participants immersed themselves in a 10-day creative process, forming international bands that blended diverse musical genres and cultural influences. The culmination of their efforts was a collection of original peace-themed songs, professionally recorded and performed live, showcasing the power of music as a universal language.

Udruženje Svetlost has been a proud partner of this project since its second edition. This year, we were thrilled to send our dedicated volunteers—Bojan, Ištvan, Lenard, Lela, Milica, Magdalena, and Ana—to participate in this transformative experience. Additionally, Đorđe joined the team as a music facilitator, guiding the creative process and mentoring young artists throughout the exchange.

Beyond music creation, participants engaged in workshops, cultural evenings, and community performances, including street concerts in Bremen and a peace party at a local pub. These activities not only enriched their artistic skills but also deepened their appreciation for cultural diversity and mutual respect.

The „Make Music Not War“ project exemplifies how creative collaboration can bridge divides and inspire a new generation committed to peacebuilding. We at Udruženje Svetlost are honored to contribute to this mission and look forward to future editions that continue to unite youth through the harmonious power of music.