Groundbreaking pilot project named
“Try Art”
In 2020, “Tactus” initiated a groundbreaking pilot project named “Try Art,” launching a painting summer school for children in a suburb near Ohrid. Over six weeks, children aged 6 to 12 delved into painting basics, explored various styles, and learned from renowned artists. With over 100 participants to date, the program has thrived.
At our summer school, conducted by artist Toni Popov, we emphasize both structure and freedom. While we maintain rules for techniques like color mixing and brush handling, we also encourage responsibilities such as jar maintenance. Yet, amid these guidelines, we prioritize fostering authentic self-expression in the children. This freedom allows each artwork to uniquely reflect the character of its creator. As Kandinsky famously said, “There is no ‘must’ in art, because art is free.”
Moreover, Try art summer school broadens horizons by introducing children to world artists, inspiring them to explore diverse artistic perspectives. Finally, to celebrate their creativity and value their contributions, we host an annual open-air exhibition showcasing the children’s artworks.
Empowerment
We are committed to empowering children and adults, particularly those from rural areas, by providing them with opportunities to engage with and participate in artistic and cultural activities.
Accessibility
We strive to amplify accessibility to art education by removing barriers and making cultural experiences available to all, regardless of background or location.
Community
We value building strong and inclusive communities through our initiatives, fostering connections and collaboration among individuals who share a passion for the arts.
Creativity
We celebrate and nurture creativity as a fundamental aspect of human expression, encouraging individuals to explore their artistic potential and express themselves freely.
Gender Equality
We advocate for gender equality and inclusivity in our organization. With a female founder and 60% of our board members being female, we believe in nurturing an environment that promotes equality and empowers individuals regardless of gender.
Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the importance of representing and celebrating diverse perspectives, cultures, and artistic expressions within our organization and the broader community.
Meet The Founders
Snezhana Karadjovska Popova
A highly experienced music teacher with over 15 years of dedicated service in music education.
Holding a Master’s degree in teaching music, she is the visionary founder of “Music corner”, a pioneering program for early music development.
With a remarkable talent for fostering connections and recognizing potential, Snezhana not only brings people together but also inspires them to immerse themselves fully in the worlds of art, music, and culture.
She spearheads the organization of various activities, events, performances, and concerts, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to enriching the community through music.
Toni Popov
A professional artist since 2011, channeling his creativity into captivating artworks. Beyond his artistic endeavors, he shares his expertise by conducting engaging workshops for both children and adults.
Since 2019, he has extended his reach to organize workshops for young people across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
In Ohrid, he leads the popular painting summer school for children, known as “Try Art.”
Renowned for his remarkable ability to tap into individuals’ creative potential, Toni has a unique talent for inspiring and empowering his students. Whether interacting with children, youth, or adults, he effortlessly fosters an environment where creativity thrives, ensuring that every participant fully enjoys and benefits from his workshops.