The best young artist from Kosovo and Metohija, and also a scholarship recipient of our organization. is Valentina Kojić from Vrbovac. This year, she received the Dimitrije Popović Award for the best young artist, presented annually during the Vidovdan festivities in Gračanica.
We spoke with Valentina about what this recognition means to her and whether it inspires her in her artistic journey.
“As a painter whose artistic path is still at its beginning, this award means a lot to me because it’s a big acknowledgment of my work. It’s wonderful to know that someone recognizes what I do and what I want to express through my art. That’s what truly matters for an artist. Of course, this award also motivates me to continue exploring, to work harder, and to believe in what I create. It was a beautiful experience, and I’m grateful for it.”
Prize-winning work
“The Award Motivates Me to Believe in What I Create”
The Vidovdan Art Colony is one of the most important events for art students from Kosovo and Metohija. For Valentina, this year’s experience was especially meaningful because of the encounters with fellow artists from Serbia and abroad.
“It was my first time at an art colony, and I’m especially glad it happened in Gračanica. The whole concept and program were well designed, and I truly enjoyed working with my colleagues. For us art students — and for everyone interested in art — the Cultural Center in Gračanica is the only place in Kosovo and Metohija that truly functions and provides us with closer contact with other artists, their work, and new experiences.”
Valentina finds her role models among classical painters, while her greatest inspiration comes from family, friends, and the people around her.
“Through faces and presence, I can best convey feelings and thoughts. I love blending classical art with my personal touch — giving my work the depth of the old masters, but also something uniquely mine.”
detail
Being a Student in Kosovo and Metohija Today
Studying in Kosovo has always been different and uniquely challenging compared to other universities in Serbia. Valentina describes her experience of studying there today:
“It’s not always easy because of the conditions we live in, but that’s what gives it special weight. We appreciate every space, every material, every opportunity more deeply. We face limitations, but we find ways to adapt. What makes our academy different from others is that there are fewer of us, so we have much closer contact with our professors and fellow students.”
“I Always Dreamed of Becoming an Artist”
Although art in Serbian enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija is not seen as a promising career, Valentina never imagined another life path. She says that even though art may not be financially rewarding, it is the only thing that makes her truly happy.
“Being content and grateful for what we have is something that many people in the modern world, even those living in abundance, struggle to achieve. For young artists in Kosovo, like me, the most important things are love, faith, and hope — found in our roots, our loved ones, and our community with God. The perspective for young artists here is almost nonexistent. We work and create, but without support and opportunities to showcase our work, everything is much harder. That’s why we need more space, more chances, more exhibitions, and more understanding of what we do. Not only financial support, but recognition — for someone to see us, acknowledge us, and stand by us.”
For more stories about the life of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, please support the work of our organization
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