ECE Brussels supports youth-focused "Art & Media Lab" in Slovenia under the Pulse Z initiative

On 15 September 2025, the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) participated in the press conference of Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana (SJACOB Theatre), where the upcoming Art & Media Lab “On the Other Side of Life” evnt was officially presented and will take place on 4–5 October 2025 in Ljubljana, bringing together theatre, film, media, and digital creativity to strengthen youth participation and media / AI literacy. This event is organised within the EU-funded project “Pulse of Change: Youth voices shaping media and democracy”. The project is part of the Pulse Z initiative led by JA Europe and co-funded by the European Union.

In its contribution, ECE Brussels Director of Policy and Communications, Bojan Kordalov, underlined that the initiative represents an innovative approach to empowering young people through practical learning and creative expression. By combining theatre, digital storytelling, and critical reflection, the Art & Media Lab encourages youth to develop skills that are essential for responsible communication and civic engagement in the digital era.

As noted during the press event, the collaboration between ECE Brussels and SJACOB Theatre reflects a shared commitment to building a more informed and democratic society, where young people are not only consumers of online content but also active creators, critical thinkers, and contributors to public discourse.

The partnership also supports the broader goals of the Pulse Z initiative, which connects creative youth across Europe and promotes media literacy, digital skills, and democratic values through art and innovation. The most successful young participants from Slovenia will later represent the country at the Pulse Z closing festival in Brussels (4–6 November 2025).

This cooperation is part of ECE Brussels’ ongoing efforts to strengthen digital and AI literacy, support civic participation, and bridge policy with practice across Europe and the EU candidate countries.

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Full statement of Bojan Kordalov, Senior EU Trainer on Media and AI Literacy and Director of Policy and Communications of the European centre of Excellence in Brussels during the press conference of Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana (Monday, 15th September 2025)

“It’s a great honour for me and for the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) to be part of this creative and meaningful initiative by Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana, which brings together theatre and media literacy for youth across Europe.

In an age where disinformation spreads faster than truth, where algorithms often determine what gets seen and heard, empowering young people to think critically, express freely, and engage responsibly has never been more urgent. That is exactly what “Pulse Z” and the “Art&Media Lab” are designed to do, not through abstract lectures, but through real, hands-on experience, creativity, and storytelling.

Our role at ECE Brussels, in cooperation with our partners at Šentjakobsko gledališče, is not just to equip young people with skills, but above all to inspire them. To help them realise that their voices matter, that they are already shaping narratives, influencing debates, and bringing democratic values to life through the content they create and share.

From Ljubljana to Brussels, this project reminds us that the future and the present of Europe’s democracy depend on young people who are not merely consumers of digital content, but active citizens as creators, critical thinkers, and the real changemakers. We look forward to the “Art&Media Lab” event at the beginning of October, and to contribute to the impact of this initiative as we amplify these youth-led stories across Europe.”

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More information for Bojan Kordalov, Director of Policy and Communication at ECE Brussels:

Bojan Kordalov is a Senior Strategic Communication and AI Literacy Expert and serves as the Director of Policy and Communications at the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels). With over two decades of professional experience and more than 500 training sessions delivered, he is recognised for his strategic work at the intersection of media and AI literacy, digital transformation, and public communication within the European context.

As part of the “Pulse of Change” project, Bojan Kordalov contributes in the role of Senior EU Trainer on Media and AI Literacy, leading the general training and mentoring components that aim to empower young people as responsible digital creators and democratic participants. His EU-level expertise bridges policy and practice thus ensuring that young voices are amplified, digital/AI literacy is strengthened, and civic engagement is fostered across member states and European platforms.

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More information for the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels):

The European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) is a Brussels-based think tank dedicated to fostering democratic development, digital transformation, and civic engagement across Europe and EU candidate countries. With a strong focus on media literacy, digital skills, and youth empowerment, ECE Brussels works to ensure that young people are not only informed citizens but also active contributors to public discourse in the digital and AI age. Through strategic partnerships, expert training, and public affairs, ECE Brussels supports initiatives that bridge policy, innovation, and inclusion thus strengthening democratic resilience and fostering an open, informed, and future-oriented Europe.