History

In 2008, the Mitrovica Rock School started as a project at the request of local musicians. The original Mitrovica Rock School project was managed by Musicians Without Borders and Community Building Mitrovica, with support from Fontys Rockacademie and IKV Pax Christi.

With support from the Matra program of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mitrovica Rock School was able grow from a promising project to a successful organization, and in 2012 the Rock School registered as an independent NGO.

From 2018, Mitrovica Rock School has been part of a regional/international consortium under the project Music Connects, using rock music for social change region-wide. In 2022, this consortium was expanded to six partners in five countries, with the support of European Commission funding program Creative Twinning.

In its 16 years of existence, some 1,700 youth have attended the Mitrovica Rock School. The school has produced over 70 ethnically mixed bands,  who write, record and perform original songs.

First summer school in 2008 (several participants not pictured), with partners Musicians Without Borders, Fontys Rockacademie, and Community Building Mitrovica

2012 Summer School, with partners Mostar Rock School, Fontys Rockacademie, Community Building Mitrovica, and Musicians Without Borders

2024 Summer School, with partners Roma Rock School, Fontys Rockacademie, and Musicians Without Borders