Date: Thursday, 17 July 2025
Time: Gathering from 19:30, official start at 20:00
Location: Pavarotti Music Centre
Address: Maršala Tita 179 (OpenStreetMap , Google Maps )
Social Bytes
Join us for a memorable Social Bytes evening at the iconic Pavarotti Music Centre in Mostar - a venue where art, community, and creativity converge.
NB! Social Bytes event is included in the price of the conference ticket!
- +1 tickets (for your accompanying family or friends) to the event can be bought in the registration shop .
A Brief History of the Centre
The Pavarotti Music Centre (via translate.google.com ) was officially opened on December 21, 1997, following the end of the Bosnian War. It was created through a partnership between the humanitarian organization War Child and globally renowned artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Brian Eno, and members of U2. The centre was envisioned as a space for healing, creativity, and cultural exchange in a city deeply scarred by conflict. Its mission was not only to support the post-war recovery of Mostar but also to offer young people an alternative to violence and trauma through music and art.
The building itself dates back to 1908, constructed during the Austro-Hungarian era as a primary school. During the war, it was damaged, but thanks to international solidarity and cultural diplomacy, it was restored and repurposed into a cultural beacon. Pavarotti himself visited Mostar, lending his name and influence to a project that was as symbolic as it was practical. The centre became an emblem of artistic resistance and peacebuilding, inspiring similar initiatives around the world.
From its earliest days, the Pavarotti Music Centre hosted concerts, exhibitions, and cross-cultural projects that brought together youth from both sides of the divided city. It offered psychological support, music education, and a safe space for self-expression. The emphasis was not only on performance but also on the transformative power of music to foster dialogue and reconciliation. Over the decades, the centre has remained dedicated to promoting peace through creativity. Its founding story continues to inspire generations of artists, educators, and community leaders across the Balkans.
Current Activities
Today, the Pavarotti Music Centre remains one of the most important cultural institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It functions as a multidisciplinary creative hub that serves young people, musicians, dancers, actors, and educators from Mostar and beyond. The centre regularly offers music education programs, including classes for various instruments, vocal coaching, and sound engineering. It also provides rehearsal spaces and professional-grade recording studios for local bands and artists.
BBGKO - Barcelona Gipsy balKan Orchestra @ Pavarotti MC Mostar
In addition to music, the centre runs a variety of workshops in contemporary dance, visual arts, theatre, and creative writing. These programs are designed not only to teach technical skills but also to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and intercultural understanding.
The Pavarotti Music Centre is also a vibrant venue for cultural events, including concerts, film screenings, festivals, and conferences. It collaborates with NGOs, schools, and international partners to host exchange programs and artistic residencies. Importantly, the centre plays an educational role, organizing seminars, public lectures, and training for educators and youth workers. It continues to embrace technology, offering digital media labs and promoting creative entrepreneurship through innovation and skill-building.
What makes the centre unique is its commitment to inclusivity and community-driven culture. Everyone - from professional artists to absolute beginners - finds a place here. As a cultural landmark and safe space for expression, it has become a pillar of civil society in Mostar. The legacy of its founders lives on not only in its name, but in the spirit of every project that emerges from its halls.
Why at the Pavarotti Centre?
For the FOSS4G community, the Pavarotti Music Centre is more than just a venue-it’s a symbol of connection, openness, and creativity. Hosting the Social Bytes evening here offers an ideal opportunity for informal networking, idea exchange, and enjoyment in an inspiring setting that celebrates the power of community and art.
AD/HD is our host
We are proud to introduce the band that will bring the sound and soul to our Social Bytes evening. As we bring ADHD to our data, they bring it to their music! AD/HD is a group of friends and musicians who usually perform in different bands, but for this night, they are coming together with one purpose - Rock ’n’ Roll.
This ensemble will channel their passion for music through timeless hits of the Balkan rock scene from the 70s, 80s, and 90s - an era when rock music was not just entertainment but a cultural movement. In addition to regional classics, they’ll spice up the night with iconic global rock hits that shaped generations around the world.
Expect energy, nostalgia, and some serious musical craftsmanship - a perfect match for the collaborative and open spirit of FOSS4G.
We will be entertained by:
🥁 Dragan Raspudić