The “Literary and Cultural Activism” NGO was established with the aim of supporting literary and cultural activities in Albania and beyond. Their mission is to promote activism in the field of literature and culture and restore art as a central element of community and identity in the country. The organization focuses on fostering creativity, artistic perception, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
The NGO originated from a collaboration between the community of writers and readers in the city of Korca in 2017. They initiated the “Meet for a book” program, which involved organizing reading sessions in schools and institutions in Korca to encourage a love for reading. Since then, the organization has been actively engaged in various literary activities and events.
Some notable activities and events conducted by the NGO include:
Activity on the life and creativity of Rozi Theohar at the “Bratko” museum.
Promotion of the book “Pagan Kiss” by young poet Mario Caci at the museum “The First Disciple”.
Literary meeting on the book of poems “The sea has no door” by Aleksandër Çipa.
Literary evening featuring crime fiction authors Besim Xhelili and Sadije Aliti at the ABC museum.
Establishment of reading clubs in Korca and Devoll Municipalities in collaboration with the National Center of Book and Reading.
Additionally, the NGO has participated in significant literary events and festivals, such as the International Festival of Poetry in Bucharest, Romania, and the International Youth Literary Festival “Tirana Gate 2022”.
The NGO’s project portfolio comprises several initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to literary and cultural activism:
- Laboratory of Creative Writing:
Collaborated with Fan S. Noli University to publish a literary anthology featuring poems from university students.
Implemented a project in Devoll Municipality, involving students from 5th to 12th grade in literary and cultural activities, with the purpose of publishing an anthology of poems written by them.
Following the Steps of Dritëro Agolli:
Implemented a project in Devoll Municipality aimed at publishing a literary anthology consisting of poems and essays from high school students.
Seeks to honor and continue the literary legacy of Dritëro Agolli, a prominent Albanian writer.
- Neighbors in front of the Mirror:
Financed by READ – European Union, this ongoing project focuses on translating the drama “Bure Barute” (Power Keg) by Dejan Dukovski, a renowned North Macedonian playwright.
Aims to translate this powerful play into Albanian, enabling its presentation in meetings with specialists, lovers of dramatic art, and young people who seek to enact change through theater.
Seeks to create spaces for debate on the play’s content, dramatic art, and the similarities and differences between Albanian and Macedonian cultures, fostering a mutual understanding.
These projects reflect the NGO’s dedication to promoting literature, cultural exchange, education, and community involvement. By organizing literary events, supporting aspiring writers, and facilitating cultural initiatives, the “Literary and Cultural Activism” NGO actively contributes to the preservation and enhancement of Albania’s literary and cultural heritage.
- The “LEARN AND CREATE” – THEATER AND LITERATURE LABORATORY project in the Devoll Municipality aimed to enhance the cultural growth of students in 9-year and high schools through activities and training focused on theater and literature. The primary beneficiaries of this project were the students themselves, who will be actively engaged in community life.
Through the proposed activities, students will build healthy relationships with their peers and promote a culture that encompasses the art of theater and literature. They will utilize their time in the most constructive ways possible. In the Devoll Municipality, children and youth lack access to a theater or the presence of stage actors who can provide practical examples and guidance in the field of theater. Additionally, there is a need for greater engagement among students in literary activities and the opportunity to interact with renowned writers who can serve as role models to nurture their creative talents.
Although this project is implemented in the Devoll Municipality, which has a tradition of artistic literature with notable writers such as poet Dritëro Agolli, there is a need for a stronger presence of literary and theatrical activities in the schools of this municipality. Therefore, the project’s essential mission is to introduce young people to theater and books, creating a sustainable tradition in these areas over time. The main goal of this initiative is to promote an inclusive, flexible, and secure environment for children and young people to act as agents of change, building more inclusive communities.
The revival of theater and literature aims to develop theatrical and literary activities with young people, highlighting their values and artistic talents, among others.
The main objective of the “LEARN AND CREATE” – THEATER AND LITERATURE LABORATORY project is to encourage and motivate students to explore theater and the dramatic texts that have nourished the theater and literature throughout time. This project aims to provide talented students with concrete and practical knowledge about theater, stage performance, as well as literary education and creative writing techniques.
The theater training sessions will be conducted by well-known figures from the Albanian stage, such as Ligoraq Riza, Andrea Pepi, Blerta Balliu, Petrika Riza, Klaudeta Riza, and others. Ligoraq Riza will stage the renowned work of Albanian writer “Mitrush Kuteli” titled “E madhe është gjëma e mëkatit” for the students in the Devoll Municipality.
Literary meetings will invite renowned authors for discussions and creative writing workshops in schools. These meetings will also involve participation from the publishing house “Toena,” one of the most recognized publishing houses in Albania.
- “Employment of returnees through tourism and cultural heritage in Devoll” aims to address two significant and current issues in the Devoll Municipality: the reintegration of returnees from emigration and the promotion of cultural heritage and tourism values in the area. Many returnees face challenges in reconnecting with their place of origin and struggle to adapt to the reality of their home country, resulting in problematic social and economic situations. In Devoll Municipality, a significant number of immigrants engage in seasonal work or eventually relocate to other regions during peak tourist seasons when there is higher demand for employment in those areas.
Data from Devoll Municipality indicates that many returnees, particularly those belonging to the R/E communities, face difficulties in reintegrating and finding employment opportunities. This project aims to establish a connection between these individuals and the region, creating employment opportunities, especially during periods of tourist influx. Through their involvement in a cultural and tourism venture, returnees will receive training and support to become self-employed.
The project emphasizes that contributing to tourism and cultural heritage in Devoll Municipality presents significant potential for self-employment of individuals who receive the necessary training and support. Furthermore, as tourism plays an increasingly important role globally, the need to develop sustainable tourism becomes crucial for Devoll Municipality. Tourism brings several benefits, including job creation, additional tax revenue, and the preservation of history and tradition. However, promoting tourism poses its own challenges.