The Balkan Museum Network is excited to announce the second Peace Broker Prize, celebrating the exceptional contributions of museum professionals in the Western Balkan region who actively promote peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion through their work with cultural heritage.

In a region marked by complex histories, ongoing societal challenges, and diverse cultural narratives, peacebuilding encompasses much more than conflict resolution. It involves addressing social inequalities, overcoming cultural divisions, promoting inclusivity, and healing the wounds of historical injustices. Museum professionals contribute to this broader understanding of peace by using cultural heritage to foster dialogue, challenge harmful stereotypes, and build understanding across communities.

Museums and cultural institutions are essential in post-conflict societies, helping to foster understanding and reconciliation. The Peace Broker Prize is dedicated to recognizing professionals and organizations whose work demonstrates the transformative power of cultural heritage in bringing people together and strengthening communities.

Who Can Be Nominated?

The Peace Broker Prize honors an individual whose work exemplifies the role of museums as catalysts for positive social change. This award is open to museum professionals from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) who have:

• Developed programs, exhibitions, or activities that engage with difficult or sensitive historical and social topics, fostering meaningful discussions.
• Promoted non-violent communication and peaceful conflict resolution through museum initiatives.
• Created inclusive and participatory spaces for intercultural or intergenerational dialogue.
• Strengthened community engagement by using cultural heritage as a tool for reconciliation and social cohesion.

Why Nominate?

The Peace Broker Prize provides more than just recognition—it supports individuals who are making a tangible impact on their communities. By nominating a colleague, you are helping to highlight their invaluable contributions and the broader importance of museums in shaping peaceful, cohesive societies.

What Does the Prize Include?

The recipient of the Peace Broker Prize will receive:

• A monetary prize of 300 EUR.
• Public recognition through the Balkan Museum Network, enhancing their professional visibility.
• An invitation to share their work with both regional and international museum communities.

How to Nominate?

Nominations are open to anyone who knows a deserving candidate. To submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form at the following link to the Nomination Form.

Deadline for nominations: 20 April 2025 (midnight)

UPDATE: The deadline has been postponed until 07 May 2025.

What Should Your Nomination Include?

Your nomination should provide a detailed description of the nominee’s contributions to peacebuilding, including specific projects, activities, programs, or exhibitions that have:

• Addressed challenging or contentious issues.
• Promoted non-violent communication and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• Contributed to bridging cultural, social, or ideological divides.

We also encourage you to describe the impact of the nominee’s work within their community, and how it has contributed to peacebuilding. Include any examples of how their initiatives have helped overcome resistance, limited resources, or other challenges they’ve faced. Highlight their innovative approaches to addressing difficult heritage, identity issues, or misrepresentations.

Supporting materials, such as media reports, articles, or links to relevant projects or programs, are highly encouraged. You can also upload any documents that will strengthen your nomination.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at:

info@bmuseums.net

About the Prize

The Peace Broker Prize was initiated in 2024 by Dr. Diana Walters, an honorary and founding member of the Balkan Museum Network, to recognize the crucial role of museum professionals in fostering peace and building bridges across the Western Balkans.

Nominate today to help shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done by museum professionals in your community! Together, we can promote the power of cultural heritage in creating a more peaceful and connected world.