"On the other side of life": Art and media lab in Ljubljana kicks off under Pulse Z initiative

Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana (SJACOB Theatre), in cooperation with the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) and DE:NOVO INTERRACTA - Ljubljana, will host a two-day "Art & Media Lab" titled “On the Other Side of Life” on 4–5 October 2025. The event is organised within the EU-funded project “Pulse of Change: Youth voices shaping media and democracy” under the European initiative "Pulse Z" led by JA Europe and co-funded by the European Union. The event will gather young people from Slovenia to explore the intersection of theatre, media, film, art, and digital creativity over the media and AI literacy.

The programme includes lectures, interactive workshops, and a roundtable with leading mentors, offering participants the chance to produce original content - from short stage scenes and video pieces to podcasts and digital articles. Up to 100 pieces of content are expected to be created, with the best entries representing Slovenia at the Pulse Z closing festival in Brussels, 4–6 November 2025.

Speaking at the press conference, Bojan Kordalov, Senior EU Trainer for Media & AI Literacy and Director for Policy and Communications at ECE Brussels, underlined the importance of empowering youth voices:

Bojan Kordalov, Director of Policy and Communications of ECE Brussels, press conference in Ljubljana

“In an age where disinformation spreads faster than truth, empowering young people to think critically, express freely, and engage responsibly has never been more urgent. From Ljubljana to Brussels, we are helping young creators develop skills and confidence to shape public discourse as responsible digital citizens. This is the main reason why ‘The Art & Media Lab’ forms part of ECE Brussels’ broader mission to foster media and AI literacy, digital transformation, and youth empowerment across Europe, bridging policy and practice through innovative partnerships”, stated Kordalov on behalf of the ECE Brussels.

Mentors on ‘The Art & Media Lab’ include Maja Weiss (film and theatre), Mare Bulc (socially engaged theatre), Filip Dobranić (technology and digital ethics), Dan Domen Gaiman (digital media and creativity), and Dr Andreja Kopač (roundtable moderator). Senior EU trainer: Bojan Kordalov (strategic communications, media and AI literacy).

The EU-funded project “Pulse of Change: Youth voices shaping media and democracy” is part of the Pulse Z initiative led by JA Europe and co-funded by the European Union. It is implemented by Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana (SJACOB Theatre) in cooperation with the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) and DE: NOVO INTERRACTA.