Our Vision: Healing Through History
We aim to transform Bunur into School of Fluidity a vibrant hub for mental health recovery, creativity, and community collaboration. It will be a space where individuals can heal, connect, and thrive, drawing on the deep history of resilience that Bunur represents.
Space Steeped in History
Bunur has witnessed significant moments in history. It began as a gathering place for anti-fascist resistance during World War II and later became a celebrated restaurant, hosting luminaries like writers Skender Kulenović and Ivo Andrić, Yugoslav leader Džemal Bijedić, and even international figures like Gaddafi in 1974.
But the devastation of the 1990s war left Bunur in ruins, with a tank shell destroying its walls. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of the past and as a beacon for renewal—a space waiting to tell new stories of healing, growth, and community connection.
Restoring Bunur: A Legacy of Resilience and Healing
Bunur is not just a building; it is a symbol of strength, history, and the enduring spirit of resilience. More than a restoration of walls, it represents a deep commitment to rebuilding hope, fostering creativity, and healing a community that has borne the scars of conflict.
Building Resilience Through Puppetry
At Bunur, we also plan to engage the community in the creative process using puppetry, we will bring to life the local stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. These handcrafted puppets will serve as powerful symbols of the strength within the community and act as storytellers, visually representing the experiences of overcoming adversity.
Puppets will be used in our workshops to help individuals express their stories creatively, break down the barriers of trauma, and celebrate resilience in a fun and engaging way. We believe in the therapeutic power of creative expression and see puppetry as a tool to foster connection, build empathy, and heal. Through this process, we hope to empower individuals to reclaim their narratives and share their journeys with others in the community.
Who We Are
My name is Ksenija Kadic, founder of the School of Fluidity, a registered charitable association in Mostar. I am a psychologist, coach, and someone profoundly shaped by migration and trauma. The School of Fluidity was born from my passion for promoting mental health, creativity, and resilience. Together with Semir Behram, whose family heritage includes the historic Bunur, and Ena Vujinovic, a skilled organizer and guide, we are committed to transforming Bunur into a space of healing, learning, and collaboration. Our combined skills and experiences will create a nurturing environment where mental health and community come first.
Expanding Our Reach and Network: Recovery College in the Balkans
We are also pleased to say that we will be adding an exciting new dimension to our project by being part of new initiative by Hearing Voices Balkan Network which is to bring the model of Recovery College to the Balkans, including Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ksenija Kadic, who played a key role in establishing the Recovery College in Camden and Islington, London, will serve as a project consultant, sharing her expertise to create a Recovery Network across the Balkans. The School of Fluidity will bring added value to this initiative by integrating its unique approach to creativity, healing, and resilience into the development of these new recovery hubs.
This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting mental health recovery and creating spaces of hope and empowerment throughout the region.
Our Journey So Far: The Power of Community
We’ve already made significant strides in restoring Bunur, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and local community members. Volunteers have helped repaint the walls, fix the fences, and make initial repairs to the space. However, the full restoration still requires more work.
We are now preparing to open the doors to the community on 1st February, welcoming everyone to experience Bunur’s transformation and take part in our first workshops. While the full renovation is still in progress, we’re excited to begin offering our programs and invite you to join us in this journey of healing and renewal.
How We’ll Use Your Funds
We’ve come this far with the support of local volunteers and some self-funded repairs, but there’s still much to be done. Your contributions will help us complete essential renovations and ensure that Bunur is fully functional and accessible. Here’s how your donation will make an impact:
Heating: We need to make Bunur usable year-round. Your support will help us install heating, creating a comfortable space for workshops, events, and gatherings.
School Materials: Providing pens, paper, notebooks, and art supplies will allow us to inspire creativity in every workshop and course.
Essential Equipment: A projector, computer, and speakers will enable us to run dynamic courses and events, enhancing the learning experience.
Chairs and Tables: Comfortable, functional furniture is essential for creating spaces of collaboration and connection during workshops and events.
Renovation of Balcony, Garden, and Kitchen Area: While some repairs have been self-funded, we still need additional funds to restore the balcony, garden, and kitchen area. These spaces will serve as peaceful retreats for reflection and community meals.
A Community Effort
So far, the three of us—Ksenija, Semir, and Ena—have been volunteering our time and energy to bring this vision to life, supported by volunteers from the local community. We’ve managed to begin the renovation process, but your help is crucial to complete the project.
Our goal is to open the doors to the community on 1st February, launching our workshops and programs while continuing the renovation work. Ongoing donations will also support the sustainability of the School of Fluidity as we apply for additional funding through various projects.
Why Bunur?
Bunur is more than just a physical space; it is a cornerstone of Mostar’s heritage, and its restoration is about more than just preserving history—it’s about creating a sanctuary for healing, creativity, and community. By contributing to this campaign, you’re not just funding a renovation—you’re investing in the future of our community and the legacy of resilience that Bunur represents.
Every pound you donate brings us closer to opening Bunur’s doors to the community. Together, we can restore this historic space and transform it into a thriving hub where stories of resilience, healing, and hope are shared, inspiring generations to come.
Join us in restoring Bunur—one step, one story, and one connection at a time.
Thank you for helping us make this vision a reality.
Let’s restore Bunur together—one step at a time. Thank you for your support.