At the end of last year, Nikšić got a unique store - the “Mozaik Koncept store” (Art shop), a shop selling art and handicrafts, which operates according to the principles of social economy, was opened at 18 Narodnih heroja Street.
"Visitors to our 'Art Shop' can find a rich selection of handicrafts, unique works of art, decorative objects and inspiring gifts, perfect for anyone who appreciates aesthetics and originality. This is a place that celebrates the art of local creators and brings warmth and color to your homes," says the NGO "Mozaik", the organization that opened the aforementioned shop, unique in that it represents a space where local artists and artisans can promote and sell their products.
Due to the fact that the "Art Shop" employs three people with disabilities (PWDs), the shop is particularly important, as it contributes to the employment of PWDs, which is one of the biggest problems they face.
"The 'Art Shop' was opened as part of the 'Creative Social Entrepreneurs' project, and the idea of social entrepreneurship, as well as a social club, originated a year or two ago. We managed to realize both ideas and employ women with disabilities in the shop, thus activating not only them, but also the entire community, to exhibit the products of those who create various handicrafts and works of art, so that fellow citizens have the opportunity to see all these wonderful things and buy them," said the director of "Mozaik". Blagoje Šturanović.
The "Art Shop" currently exhibits the works of seven creative women, and they believe that there will be more, and that creative men will join in, because Nikšić is rich in people who create art and handicrafts, and apart from fairs and bazaars, they do not have a permanent place where they can exhibit them.
"Through this project, we have also initiated the concept of social entrepreneurship, which is really important, because we still do not have a precise law on social enterprises. At the opening of 'Art Shop', representatives of the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue made big promises that we would be included in the procedure and process of drafting the law, which makes us very happy. We are among the first non-governmental organizations to initiate the story of social enterprises. There are other companies that operate similarly, but they did not specify that they are social entrepreneurship, precisely due to the lack of a law. During this year, we plan to form a cluster of social enterprises so that we can act together, open as many such companies as possible and employ as many people with disabilities as possible, which is a priority," emphasized Šturanović.
Products with soul
Three women with disabilities are employed at the "Art Shop", Rada Popović, Marija Mirkovic i Tijana Jovanovic, for a period of six months, until the project is completed, but "Mozaik" believes that the shop will come to life and that it will be sustainable even after the project is completed.
“This shop really means a lot to us. I think that Nikšić has needed a shop like this for a long time, where handicraft producers could exhibit their products. We believe that this will come to life, because there are many craftsmen who make beautiful handicrafts and now they have the opportunity to display them. There are also many who want to buy handmade works, because although an industrial product has no flaws, and this handicraft may have some small ones, whether visible or invisible, it is still special because it has a soul. We hope that this shop will soon become small, because we have many calls from our creatives who want to bring their products and exhibit them here. We are looking forward to all the new members who will be part of our team,” said Rada Popović, who was appointed executive director of “Art Shop”.
In addition to working in the shop, Popović has been creating clothes, handbags, and various handicrafts for years, which the public first had the opportunity to see 12 years ago, when the New Year's Fair of Local Products started, which gave her the impetus to continue creating.
"The fair was a kind of satisfaction for me to continue doing this. All of us, while creating these works, bring a part of ourselves, and it seems to me that it is visible with how much effort, love and attention we create them," Popović pointed out.
The "Art Shop" currently displays handicrafts created by women, and Popović hopes that men will soon come forward as well, as there are a large number of creative Nikšić residents who "have golden hands" and create real little masterpieces. And not just Nikšić residents, as creative people from other municipalities are already coming forward.
The NGO “Mozaik” opened the “Art Shop” as part of the “Creative Social Entrepreneurs” project, which is implemented within the program “Strengthening Civil Society to Support Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of Montenegro”. The program is funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration, and implemented by the organizations “Help” and “Juventas”.
This shop really means a lot to us. I think Nikšić has needed a shop like this for a long time, where handicraft producers could display their products. We believe that this will come to life, because there are many artisans who make beautiful handicrafts and now they have the opportunity to display them.
Employment is one of the biggest problems facing people with disabilities...
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