Unleashing the Creative Power Through Education

Anibar’s contribution for generations to come

While different studies show us that education in animation, plays a pivotal role in shaping dhe creative minds of young people, for the 14th year now, Anibar plays a vital role by providing access to young people of different social groups in Kosovo, to such an opportunity. As an extension of the Animation Academy, and Anibars direct contribution for the generations to come, for the 14ths year now, one masterclass and five different workshops will be held for young people of age 18 – 25. 

Official statistics show that youth of 15-24 years in Kosovo has an extremely high unemployment rate of 46,9%, as opposed to that of the general population of 24,6%. The unemployment rate of young women (15-24) is even higher, at 61%, as opposed to that of young men: 40,8%, which points to multiple marginalization and exclusion of young women. While Roma, Aashkali and Egyptian kids, and children with disabilities, remain the most marginalized groups. 

Anibar aims to open doors to a vast world of artistic expression and professional opportunities and believes that in an era driven by visual media, animation has emerged as a powerful tool for storytelling, entertainment, and communication.

Through proper education, aspiring young animators gain not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of storytelling principles, character development, and visual aesthetics. By providing the opportunities of learning such skills, we believe to provide for young people the knowledge and expertise to bring their imaginative ideas to life, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. 

Arba Hatashi, the Festivals Executive Director, states that through the masterclass and workshops the organization aims to include young people in the world of Animation, and provides them with the necessary skills to prepare for the Industry, or as active problem-solving citizen. 

“Young people of Kosovo are still waiting to travel freely, therefore by bringing professionals from the Industry in Kosovo, we give them access to new approaches and aim to prepare them with the trends and necessary skills to develop not only in a professional level, but also in a personal level.”, says Hatashi. 

Furthermore, the Education Program, introduces them to industry-standard software and techniques, enabling them to adapt to evolving technologies and stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. 

In this year’s edition, Anibar hosts one masterclass, titled “Portfolio & Pitch – Kickstarting You & Your Animation”. Led by Hsiang Chin Moe, this masterclass is designed to guide you through the various stages of your animation career, providing valuable insights from the classroom to the industry. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or an emerging animator, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Hsiang Chin Moe brings a wealth of experience as an artist, educator, and industry professional. As the inaugural BFA Animation Chair at the renowned School of Visual Arts in New York City, she has shaped the education and careers of countless animators. With a background in production, technology, and management, she understands the intricacies of the animation industry and how to navigate its challenges. 

More on the Education Program of this year’s editition on: https://anibar.org/festival/workshop/

Leonora Aliu