This organization brings together people who believe in equality, freedom, and solidarity, using music as a tool to foster these values within the community. The Svi UGLAS choir not only helps Roma children and youth develop their musical talents but also offers an opportunity for all music lovers to connect, create, and perform alongside the Roma community, nurturing empathy, tolerance, and solidarity in society.

That Saturday, the Cultural Center in Smederevo was filled with music and unity! In addition to the Svi UGLAS choir, the audience enjoyed performances by the children’s choir from Dimitrije Davidović Elementary School in Smederevo, the Svetlost orchestra, the Roma band Pretty Loud, jazz singer Nevena Filipović, and special guest pop star Zejna.

The audience was taken on a true musical journey through pop, rock, evergreen, and Roma music. One of the most moving experiences of the evening was watching the performance of Roma children and youth, choir members who come from extreme poverty, often attend school irregularly, and live on the margins of society. Through their involvement in the choir, these children gain not only musical skills but also self-confidence, work habits, and a sense of belonging to a group. They learn the importance of mutual support and the value of their own culture.

Art Aparat and the Svi UGLAS choir are among the many organizations recognized by the Swiss government, which, through the Culture for Democracy project, supports artistic creation, exchange, and mutual understanding. The organization received support in the amount of EUR 25’000, aimed at strengthening the community through music and collective effort.

The Culture for Democracy project aims to contribute to strengthening the independent cultural sector to foster greater social cohesion and tolerance at the local level. The first phase of the project runs from October 2021 to February 2025 and is supported by the Swiss Government with a grant of EUR 1’945’000, implemented by the Heartefact Foundation.